Alvord Family Histories

Ahrens, Gustave

Gustave Ahrens was born March 3, 1865 in Germany, he came to America in 1883 and settled at Plattsmouth, Nebr. He married Mary Frenzel Feb. 1899. He retired in 1928 and died Dec. 2, 1946. Mary was born Sept. 28, 1874 and died Jan. 1, 1967. They had five children – Ernest (Dunbar, Nebr. – retired), Edwin (Alvord – retired), Albert (died Feb. 2, 1918 ), Robert (Thorton, Iowa – Lutheran pastor), Hildegarde (Mrs. George Fridrichsen, Alvord).

Albertus, Balster Wm.

Balster Wm. Albertus was born in 1875. He married Emma Fiebelkorn, who was born in 1880. They settled in Alvord where for many years he was Alvord’s realtor. They had 3 children – Earl, John, Helen (Mrs. CE Bild) and Ida (Mrs. Ole Loe). Mrs. Albertus died in 1931 and Mr. Albertus died in 1934.

Albertus, Earl John

Earl John Albertus was born at Alvord on Sept. 29, 1904. He married Polly Knutson on June 26, 1930. Mr. Albertus operated the highway maintainer and farmed near Alvord until he moved to Sioux Falls. He returned in 1946 and operated a hardware store until 1952 when he returned to Sioux Falls. He died on Dec. 27, 1965. They had 4 children: Harlene (Mrs. Eldon Schmahl of Aberdeen, So. Dak.), Joan (Mrs. Al Daniels of Viborg, South Dakota ), Shirley (Mrs. Don Kuhle of Lincoln, Nebr. ), and Daniel Earl of Sioux Falls.

Allen, James

James Allen was born at Montreal, Canada in August of 1861. He was married to Julia Barron in 1890. She was born at Shannon, Illinois in 1859. They farmed a mile South of Alvord in 1893. He was also a hardware merchant and livestock buyer. He died on July 31, 1920 and Mrs. Allen died on Oct. 29, 1932. They had four children – Edward (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Mike Doherty of Inwood), John (Inwood) and Clement of Alvord.

Allen, Clement

Allen, Clement – married Vera Lawler in Sioux Falls on Nov. 24, 1920. They farmed near Alvord for a number of years and retired in Alvord. They have six children – Catherine (Mrs. Ray Kippley of Worthington, Minn. ), Peggy (Mrs. Lawrence Schreurs of Alvord), James ( Sioux Falls ), Joseph ( Hannibal, Mo. ), Joan (Mrs. Eugene Krier of San Gabriel, Calif. ) and Julie (Mrs. Allen Van Houten of Moville, Ia. ).

Allen, George

Allen, George – (son of Patrick and Margaret Allen of Alton, Iowa ) married Anna Elizabeth Frembgen of Alvord on February 10 1904. Anna was the daughter of Leo and Theresa Frembgen. George and Anna farmed three miles north of Alvord from 1904 to 1912. They had five children. Daughters Coletta (born March 8, 1906 ), Ethel (born April 28, 1908 ) and Lois (born January 25, 1910 ) were born while the family lived north of Alvord. A daughter Rose (born June 11, 1914 ) and a son Donald (born December 26, 1923 ) were born after the family moved from Alvord to Woonsocket, SD.

Anna passed away March 23, 1932 and George passed away January 28, 1935. Daughter Lois passed away August 6, 1968.

Currently, Donald lives in Pierre, SD; Rose lives in Marysville, Wa.; Coleta lives in Lakeside, Ca; and Ethel lives in Florence, Or.

Andresen, Albert

Andresen, Albert – born in Davenport, Iowa, Feb. 6, 1873. He married Emma Oldenburg Sept. 4, 1901. She was born in Davenport Oct. 2, 1881. They farmed in Scott county until 1907 when they moved to Lyon County where they had purchased a farm northwest of town. In 1929 they bought the farm adjoining Alvord (now occupied by the Lawrence Schreurs) where they lived until 1945 when they purchased a residence in town and retired. They had two children: Wilbur – married Leona Meyer, they reside on the Pete Meyer farm 4 miles west of Alvord; Ella – living in Alvord. Mrs. Andresen died July 12, 1962. Mr. Andresen died April 5, 1965.

Anderson, William “Bill”

The Anderson's, being natives of Iowa, but not of the town of Alvord, the legacy of the Anderson family cannot add much to the 100 year old history of Alvord. William “Bill” Anderson, a widower, along with his seven children, moved to Alvord in the winter of 1940; an eighth child, Joseph, had died earlier. Mrs. Anderson, who was Frances Pendergast, died on 1934 in Larchwood, Iowa. Bill Anderson passed away in 1947. The oldest child, Raphael, passed away in 1982, and the youngest child, Rita (Mrs. John Boer) passed away in 1991. The remaining children are Ruth, (Mrs. Vernon “Bud” Kramer), and Esther (Mrs. Rollin Ogland) both of whom live in Colorado Springs, Colorado; Mary (Mrs. Darrell Peterson) who lives in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Maurice “Mike” Anderson of Sheldon, Iowa; and Josephine (Mrs. Rupert Swacina) of Alameda, California. Mike Anderson is married to an Alvord native, Myra Thompson, whose father worked in a barber shop in Alvord for several years. Rita’s husband, John Boer, is also an Alvord native, and has been in the trucking and farming business for most of his life.

Barron, C.H. “Chris”

Barron, C.H. “Chris” – Mr. and Mrs. Barron came to Alvord from Benton County in the early 1900s. They farmed for a number of years. Later on he acquired the rural mail route out of Alvord in addition to his farming activities. One team of horses was used for many years on the 42 mile trip. Mr. Barron only missed one day a year because of bad roads and weather conditions. The Barron’s were the parents of six children: Richard, who died in infancy; Evelyn (Mrs. Frank Scollan, deceased); Walter (deceased); Gladys (Mrs. John Spain, Waterloo, Ia.); twins Irene and Corrine (Madison, Wis.); Chris (Charlotte) Barron was a sister of Mrs. Jim (Maria) Kelly.

Barron, William

Barron, William – born in Stephenson County, Ill., March 3, 1860. He was raised on a farm, educated in the area school, later attending St. Viateurs college, Kankakee Ill. He came “west” in 1886 staying for a time in Beresford, SD, then coming to Alvord. This area appealed to him and before long he purchased a quarter section farm in Cleveland township as he always considered land a good investment. He never lived on his farm but it was tenanted by the Bernard Doherty (Mary Barron) family for 45 years. He did grain buying also carpenter work for a time. When the Great Northern railroad was known as the Sioux City-Northern was built through the town in 1890 he joined a construction company and assisted building elevators along the line. He then became local buyer for the J.Q. Adams grain company and later was manager for the Thorpe, and also the Cargill company. On August 16, 1892 he was united in marriage to Thecla Catherine Krebs at Holy Name Catholic Church in Rock Rapids, as Alvord was a mission of Rock Rapids at that time. She was born on a farm near Alton, August 23, 1871, had come to Alvord with friends, the Joe Schnees, and was employed by them. To this union six children were born: Mary (Mrs. Bernard Doherty) now at LeMars; Joe, a retired rural mail carrier, Monticello, Iowa, librarian in Chicago, William E. – Monticello, Iowa (deceased March 1967). Loretta and Margaret of Alvord. Mr. Barron helped build the town; having served on the council for a period of years, as a member of the school board for 40 years and three terms as mayor. He passed away November 21, 1942. Mrs. Barron was an active member of Sacred Heart Altar society and a charter member of the Alvord Womans Club. She died November 30, 1966.

Bauchspies, Bernhard

Bauchspies, Bernhard – born October 18, 1848, in Saxony, Germany. He was married to Mary Jones on April 25, 1891. They settled three miles north of Doon, Iowa, and lived there for 19 years. They moved to Alvord in 1912. Bernhard was a cabinet maker and carpenter, farmer and then retired. Bernhard made application for citizenship in Davenport, Iowa, Scott County October 17, 1882 and received his citizenship papers October 31, 1882. To this union seven children were born. A son died in infancy. Six living daughters; Mrs. Minnie Dengler, Orange City; Mrs. Alma Dewey Herber, Cherokee; Mrs. Clara Albert Borman, Rock Rapids; Mrs. Ella Nordell, Rock Rapids; Mrs. Bertha Winrow, Rock Rapids; and Mrs. Lillie Lee Strait, Rock Rapids. Bernhard died on November 25, 1930 and his wife Mary passed away December 11, 1960.

Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. Henry

Bauer, Mr. and Mrs. Henry – born in Selent, Germany; Mr. Bauer September 12, 1852 and Mrs. Bauer March 27, 1859. They were married in Germany in 1878. In 1883 they came to Iowa and farmed in various localities until 1918; first at Galsbrook, then Rock Valley and Inwood. They then retired and moved to Alvord. Mr. Bauer died in 1937. Mrs. Bauer lived in Alvord until 1950 when she moved to Dell Rapids, SD. Mrs. Bauer died in 1956. Mr. and Mrs. Bauer had 11 children: Lizzie, Martha, Rudolph, Minnie, Henry, Albert, Clara, Gust, Emil, John and Carl. John is the only one still living and now resides in Sioux Falls.

Beck, Grant

Beck, Grant – Born in Union Town, Pa., 1863. He married Mrs. Mary Weisensee in 1896. She was born in Peoria, Ill in 1862. They had three daughters: Lottie (Mrs. Colonel Kemp, Sioux Falls ), Ollie (Mrs. Phineas McMahon, Sioux Falls ), and Margaret (deceased).

Berg, John

Berg, John – Born in Kiel, Germany and came to the United States at the age of 7 with his mother, three brothers and one sister. On March 7, 1900 he married Clara Kruger, she was born in Holstein, Ia., and shortly after this marriage they moved to Alvord where they lived the rest of their lives. They had two children: Albert of Atlanta, Ga., and Otto of Alvord. They had one grandchild, Burdette, of Austin, Minn. John Berg owned and operated a livery and dray line for a number of years and later went into the mercantile business. He and Mrs. Berg with the help of their son Otto operated Berg’s general store for many years. John Berg was mayor of Alvord and was instrumental in securing the first electric lights in Alvord. He died in 1947 being active in the store until the time of his death. Mrs. Berg died in 1965.

Berg, Otto

Berg, Otto – worked with his father in business until his father’s death. He now owns and operated Berg’s Locker and Grocery Store. He married Viva Johnson in 1928 and they had one son – Burdette of Austin, Minn.

Blair, Dr. S.E.

Blair, Dr. S.E. – was born March 28, 1867 on a farm near Piolette, Pa. His early education was received in Piolette and Clarion County Normal school where he received his first teachers certificate. He then graduated from Valparaiso, Indiana normal college and accepted the position of superintendent at Jefferson township high school in Shueyville, Iowa, where he taught for two years. One of the members of his first graduating class was Luetta Crowell who later became Mrs. Blair. The Medical profession appealed to him so he entered the State University at Iowa City graduating in 1894. After serving an internship of three years under Dr. Riorden of Melrose, Iowa, he came to Alvord in April 1897. The first baby he delivered was Anna Mae Quinn. On October 28 of the same year he married Luetta Crowell of Sheuyville. She was born February 1, 1872 at Western, Iowa, attended college at Toledo, Iowa, and graduated from the Normal Institute for Johnson county, after which she taught school for several years. Throughout the years Dr. and Mrs. Blair were respected and beloved residents – friends of all. On Christmas 1899 the people presented the doctor and the Catholic priests – Father Desmond with a card bearing the names of all and a $20 gold piece in appreciation for the service during the smallpox scourge which had struck Alvord earlier that year. They had buried the first victim, Dolly Cleary. Due to quarantine no public services could be held. In April 1940 the community honored Dr. Blair with a surprise birthday party for the services he had so faithfully rendered over a period of 43 years. After a program the Doctor was presented a loving cup, a lounging chair with footstool and reading lamp. A large bouquet of red roses and a cake with 73 candles decorated the table. Dr. Blair passed away October 1940. Mrs. Blair was one of the most prominent women in Alvord. She was a charter member of the Federated Womens Club and besides holding different offices in the local club had served as county chairman. She was very active in the Congregational church and was always one of the important figures in any successful enterprise. She passed away July 25, 1948. They were parents of five children: James, deceased 1941; Paul, Portland, Ore. ; Mary, Mrs. Art Uhl – Rialto, Calif. ; Catherine, Mrs. Ed Kroger – Puyallup, Wash. ; John, Rock Rapids.

Bleedorn, F. Gustave

Bleedorn, F. Gustave – born in Germany in June 1864. He married Emilie Ninnemann on Sept. 25, 1895 at Mayer, Minn., and their first home was in Big Sandy, Mont. About 1900 they came to Alvord where he served as Great Northern Railway agent for ten years and lived in the rooms above the depot. About 1910 they purchased the meat market on main street and a home with a small acreage at the south end of main street where they lived until the fall of 1919 when the family moved to a farm near Mayer, Minn., which is now owned by Ray. There were seven children: Agnes, Dan, Ray, Hazel and John living in or near Minneapolis ; Helen of Sioux Falls, SD ; and Herb who lived in California until his death January 20, 1967. Mrs. Bleedorn died in 1929, and Mr. Bleedorn in 1940.

Boer, Jake K.

Boer, Jake K. – born March 28, 1901, in the Netherlands and came to the United States at the age of three years. He lived at Rock Valley a few years and lived in the Alvord vicinity for 41 years. He was united in marriage to Elsie Herman in 1926. Mrs. Boer was born January 6, 1906 at LeMars. They were the parents of five children, John is married to the former Rita Anderson and are the parents of seven children: Barbara (Mrs. Earl Meyer), John, Eloise, Pamela, Paula, Kimberly and Lisa. They farm near Alvord. Coba (Mrs. Wayne Schmahl), Cincinnati, Ohio. They have four children. Evelyn (Mrs. Werner Berg) they are the parents of a son, and live in Corpus Christi, Texas. Clarence is married to the former Karyn Weatherly and they are the parents of three children: Sandi, Jason and Lance. Clarence has been with the local bank since 1963, is an insurance agent and farms. Elaine (Mrs. Don Kelderman), they are the parents of three children. Mrs. And Mrs. Boer’s occupation was farming. Mr. Boer passed away in 1967. A brother, Everet (Ed) was also born in the Netherlands and came to the United States in 1904 and has since made his home in the Alvord area.

Bornholdt, Chris

Bornholdt, Chris – came to Lyon county in 1888 and lived on a farm three miles east of Alvord. He was united in marriage to Fredricka Schlimme December 7, 1877. Six children were born to this union: Agnes, born December 1, 1880, Charlotte born September 7, 1882, Magdalena, July 6, 1885, Minnie, June 15, 1890, Henry born August 14, 1892, Clara born June 11, 1894.

Bosler, Heinrich

Bosler, Heinrich – born June 9, 1865 in the village of Vitzdorf on the Island of Fehmann in the Baltic Sea. In 1883 he came to Durant, Ia., and to Lyon county in 1888, the following year he bought 160 acres of prairie northwest of Alvord and broke sod with a walking plow and three horses walking barefoot behind the plow. After putting up some buildings he sent for his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andreas Bosler and his sister Elise (Mrs. Wm. Serck) in 1889. In 1900 his father passed away, his mother Catharina in 1901. Mr. Bosler was united in marriage to Dorothea Kroger in 1891 and to this union seven children were born: Matilda (Mrs. J.A. Schemmel, deceased); Ella (Mrs. Louis Kock, deceased); Caroline (deceased); William (deceased); Hertha (Mrs. Amerose Paffrath, deceased); Henry J., Inwood; and Leonard, Alvord. Mr. Bosler was township assessor for many years and helped to organize a stock company to build the opera house. Mrs. Bosler passed away Dec. 25, 1914 and he passed away April 30, 1916. The farm home is now owned by Henry J. Bosler and farmed by his son, Loren and family.

Bosler, Henry J.

Bosler, Henry J. – united in marriage to Elsie Koch in 1926 and six children were born to this union: Henry Jr., Alvord; Irene (Mrs. Don Kock), Elkton, SD; Harold, Brandon, SD; Loren, Alvord; Lorraine (Mrs. Cletus Gacke) Inwood; and Carol, Mrs. Delano Hinsch, Rock Rapids. Henry Jr. was united in marriage to Mary Ann Dehn and are the parents of three children: Mark, Lori and Jann, and is employed at the local elevator. Loren was united in marriage to Anita Overman and they are the parents of four children: Julie, Ronda, Lowell and Loren Eugene. William Bosler was united in marriage to Edna Schlimme in 1926, one son Robert was born to this union. Both Mr. and Mrs. Bosler are deceased. Robert is farming near Alvord. Leonard Bosler was united in marriage to Luella Stoltenberg in 1934 and three sons were born to this union: Kenneth, Spirit Lake; James, farming near Inwood; and Wayne farming near Alvord.

Boysen, Fred N.

Boysen, Fred N. – settled on a farm 2 ½ miles east of Alvord in 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Boysen were the parents of five children: Ernest, Albert, Hugo, Frieda and Herbert. Mrs. Boysen passed away in 1899. He was married to Marie Holmer in 1902 and she passed away in 1956. Ernest and Albert are both deceased. Hugo lives in Murdo, SD, Frieda, Mrs. Ira Gotfredson in California. Herbert was born in 1898 on the farm east of Alvord and was married to Minnie Olson of Truman, Minn.; and they were the parents of three children: Dr. James, Sioux City ; Helen (deceased); and Bruce (deceased). Dr. Herbert Boysen is now living at Madelia, Minn., where he is a physician and surgeon doing general practice.

Bradley, Dr. A.M.

Bradley, Dr. A.M. – born August 12, 1893 at Lone Jack, Mo., and was united in marriage to Elizabeth DeKing at Rock Valley on November 8, 1918. They were the parents of three children: Constance Gove, Wayzata, Minn.; Virginia Nelson, Alvord; and Dr. Alfred M. Bradley, Alcester, SD. Dr. Bradley attended South Dakota State at Brookings. He was discharged from the army in 1918 and in 1921 graduated from the Indiana Veterinary College, Indianapolis, Ind. In the summer of 1921 he established his Veterinary practice in Alvord and practiced here until his death Jan. 1, 1951 at 57 years of age. He served as a member of the town council and several terms as mayor, and he was also president of the school board for a number of terms.

Bramstedt, Henry D., Sr.

Bruening, Fred

Bruening, Fred – born April 10, 1870 in Hanover, Germany to Peter and Kathryn Bruening. In 1887 Fred and his brother, Will, immigrated to America. They stayed with their sister’s family the George Finck’s and Fred worked for Peter Stein. He was united in marriage to Caroline Gust November 24, 1893 and lived on various farms around Alvord until moving to South Dakota in 1913. They were the parents of ten children: Albert, Fred (deceased), Alvina, Emma, Arthur, Ervin (deceased), Harold, Walter, Edith and Mildred. Mr. Bruening passed away October 24, 1951 and Mrs. Bruening, September 26, 1955.

Bruening, Albert

Bruening was born September 15, 1894 four miles east of Alvord. He later attended school in Alvord from 1907 until 1910. He served his county in the first World War in France receiving his discharge June 8, 1919. He was attached to the 88th Division of Iowa. He was united in marriage to Bertha Hartwig February 11, 1920 and were the parents of two children, one child died in infancy. A son Leland lives near Redfield, SD. Mrs. Bruening passed away January 5, 1930. On June 11, 1936 he was united in marriage to Eleanor Bennett and they are the parents of four children. Mr. Bruening was a farmer until his retirement.

Childress, J. Cletus

Childress, J. Cletus – born in Coal City, Indiana on January 6, 1906 to Mr. and Mrs. Sherman Childress. The family came to Lyon County in 1919. He was married to Mildred Cohrt in 1929 and started farming. To this union four children were born: George, Lois, Larry and Steve. Retired to Rock Rapids in December 1963 where Cletus passed away on June 4, 1964. George married to Elaine Kroeger, they have five children, David, Randy, Ricky, Nancy and Barbara. Lois married Ladean Klein, they have four children, Linda, Laurel, Susan and Alan. Larry married Eleanor Roemen, they have five children Pamela, Dale, Lynn, Patrick, Julie and Paul. Steven lives in California.

Childress, William Sherman

Childress, William Sherman – born November 26, 1884 in Coal City, Ind. Effie Fiscus Childress also of Coal City, Ind. was born February 22, 1885. They were married March 29, 1905. Three children were born to this union: Jasper Cletus (deceased), Alta Belle (Mrs. Rudolph Hasche), Rock Rapids; and Chester Wallace, Alvord. They came to Lyon County in 1919 and farmed at Steen, Minn., Lester, and Alvord. Mr. Childress passed away in 1954 and Mrs. Childress makes her home at Valley Manor, Rock Valley.

Classen, Hans

Classen, Hans – born at Frestadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and came to America with his parents at the age of nine, settling in Davenport, Ia. He was married to Annie Jensen March 21, 1885. Mrs. Claussen was born at Davenport December 9, 1866. They came to northwest Iowa where they farmed in Lyon and Sioux County before moving to Alvord in August 1921 where they resided until their death. Mr. Classen passed away in June, 1923. Seven children were born to this union: Lena passed away at the age of eight; Clara (Mrs. Will Schroeder), Wadena, Minn. (deceased); Alfred, residing in Rock Valley; Emma (Mrs. Herman Kock), Inwood; John and Dora, Alvord. Mrs. Claussen was united in marriage to August Schemmel in 1930. He passed away in 1932 and Mrs. Schemmel passed away May 21, 1943.

Cohrt, Frank E.

Cohrt, Frank E. – born May 7, 1888 at Holstein, Iowa and was united in marriage to Pauline Alvina Schemmel on June 7, 1911. They were the parents of two daughters: Mildred (Mrs. J.C. Childress of Rock Rapids) and Ethel (Mrs. Harry Moeller of Alvord). Mr. Cohrt passed away March 15, 1958. Mrs. Cohrt passed away November 1968.

Dehn, Adolph

Dehn, Adolph – born in Scott County September 23, 1863, Adelia Hamann Dehn was also born in Scott County November 1, 1867. They were united in marriage February 27, 1890 and came to Lyon County in 1893 by special train with 15 to 20 other families where their livestock, machinery and furniture were unloaded at Lester. They farmed until 1927 when they retired. To this union four children were born: Louis, Rock Rapids; Milla (Mrs. John Serck) Watertown, SD, Herbert and Alma (Mrs. Herman Grams) Westbrook, Minn. Mr. Dehn was one of the promoters to build the Opera House and was also one of the directors of the Farmer’s Elevator Ass’n. Mr. Dehn passed away December 23, 1946 and Mrs. Dehn September 9, 1956. Louis was united in marriage to Edna Miller and is now retired after being in the bank here, county treasurer, and secretary-treasurer of First Federal Savings and Loan in Rock Rapids. Herbert (deceased) was married to Lillian Stoltenberg and they farmed until they retired to Alvord in 1957. One daughter, Mary Ann was born to them.

Dell, Frank, Sr.

Dell, Frank, Sr. – born in Clinton County, Iowa in 1864 and was married to Freda Wilka of Clayton County, Iowa on Feb. 26, 1891. They farmed northwest of Alvord until 1922 when they retired in Alvord. They had three children: Pearl (Mrs. Bart Lape) Beaver Creek, Minn.; Hazel (Mrs. J.D. Chamberlain) Lester, and Frank, Jr. of Alvord.

Dell, Frank, Jr.

Dell, Frank, Jr. – born August 2, 1897 and was married to Vernie Schumann of Larchwood on November 23, 1921. They farmed the home place until retirement in Alvord in 1957. They had four children: Daryl, Palo Alto, Calif.; Milo Jean (deceased); Gaylen, Sioux Falls; and Patricia (Mrs. Clyde Burke, Luverne, Minn.)

Dickman, Mr. and Mrs. Chris

Dickman, Mr. and Mrs. Chris – emigrated from Germany to America in 1881, and settled near Big Rock, Iowa. In 1893, they moved to Lyon County. For a time, they lived on a farm two and one half miles northeast of Alvord. In 1908, they retired from farming and took up residence in Lester, Iowa, where they resided until the time of their death. George, the eldest of seven children, was born May 22, 1879, and married Amelia Stettnichs on February 26, 1908. In 1910, they moved to the farm two and a half miles west of Alvord. George died June 29, 1954. Amelia died August 16, 1960. George and Amelia were the parents of two children: Alvin was born on December 23, 1909, and died September 28, 1945; Erma was born on November 3, 1914. She married Joe Vint on November 30, 1946.

Dibbern, Max

Dibbern Family – Max Dibbern and Lena Schneede were married at Rock Rapids, Ia. on Feb. 22, 1893. They resided on their farm located about a mile and a half west of Alvord where Mr. Dibbern engaged in farming and the business of buying and selling livestock; until the family moved to Rock County, Minn. in 1909. Max Dibbern was born in Itzehoe, Germany on March 15, 1864, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Martin Dibbern. He came to America when he was seventeen years old and passed away at Luverne, Minn. on July 4, 1930. Mrs. Dibbern was the youngest child of Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Schneede who came to Alvord in 1888 from Davenport, Ia. where Lena was born July 8, 1875. To this union were born four children namely William, John (deceased), Albert and Elsie Dibbern Rapp.

Doherty, Bernard

Doherty, Bernard – born in Clinton County, Iowa, May 8, 1890, and came with his family to a farm south of Alvord in childhood. He was a member of the town band and also played violin with a group for community dances. On February 9, 1916 he married Mary Barron. She was born June 16, 1893 in Alvord. They lived on the Wm. Barron farm three and one-half miles northeast of town. Mr. Doherty died June 21, 1947. They had three children: Celeste of Cortland, N.Y., a music consultant for American Book Co.; Philip, employed at Rock Island Arsenal, with his wife and four children live in Bettendorf, Iowa; Richard (Dick), employed in the post office at Bloomington, Calif.; with his wife and five children reside in Fontana; Mrs. Mary Doherty resides in LeMars, Iowa.

Doherty, Patrick

Doherty, Patrick – born at Boston, Mass. on April 1, 1856. He married Mary Ann Ruddy in Clinton County, Iowa on September 28, 1881. She was born at Boston in 1862. They came to a farm three miles south of Alvord in 1901, north of town in 1907, and into Alvord in 1911. They had eight children: John, Susan, Leo, Albert, Bernard, Vincent, Raymond, Lester and Nellie. Susan (Josie) worked for Postmaster Frank Waumett in the ‘20’s. Nellie taught school in the ‘20’s, both in the country and in Alvord. Since 1957, the Doherty family has had a reunion every three years at the Hein Kosters (Irene Doherty) home in Rock Valley, average attendance about 106.

Donnelly, Henry

Donnelly Family – Henry Donnelly was born September 15, 1838 in Eneskillen, Ireland. He came to the United States and settled in Chicago, Ill. He was a Civil War veteran. He married Ellen Hagen at Gross Point, Ill. December 4, 1859. They later moved to a farm west of Alvord and then moved to a farm on the northeast edge of Alvord. Their children were: Kathleen, born October 7, 1860; Frank, April 6, 1863; James H., June 10, 1866; Mary, July 12, 1874; John Arch, March 28, 1876; Robert, September 15, 1880; and Ellen, September 25, 1886. Mrs. Henry Donnelly died December 27, 1911, in Alvord. Henry Donnelly died August 28, 1920, at Sioux Falls, SD. Frank married Elvin Spethman November 10, 1891 and moved to one-half mile west and one mile north of Alvord. Their children were Leo, deceased; Francis, deceased; Henry, at Brandon, SD; Louise, deceased (Mrs. Earl Groth) Ogema, Minn.; George, Garretson, SD; Richard, Sioux Falls, SD; Katherine (Mrs. V.B. Nesbee) Tucson, Ariz.

Duffy, Joseph

Duffy, Joseph - born in Clinton, Iowa, on May 9, 1871. He married Mary McMullen in Rock Valley on January 7, 1891. She was born in Clinton, Iowa, on February 22, 1871. They had nine children: Beatrice (Mrs. Wm. Murphy, Woodburn, Ore); Cecelia (Mrs. Henry Friedrichsen, Los Angeles); Mary (Mrs. Robert Sullivan of Alvord); Lillian (Mrs. John Weisensee of Sioux Falls, SD, deceased); Joseph (Anchorage, Alaska); Edwin (El Monte, CA); Victor (Woodburn, Ore.); Matthew (DeWitt, Iowa) and Virginia (deceased). The Duffy’s came to Alvord in 1891 where they both taught school.

Eisentrager, George

Eisentrager, George – Mr. and Mrs. George Eisentrager and Arthur came to Alvord about 1900 where he purchased a harness shop and owned this until the middle twenties. Ernest and Eva were born in Alvord. Arthur passed away in 1913. Mr. Eisentrager passed away in 1913. Mr. Eisentrager passed away in 1940 and Mrs. Eisentrager passed away in 1951. E.W. Eisentrager resides in Alvord where he is employed by the Valley State Bank since he began working there in 1919. Eva, Mrs. C.J. Fitzgerald resides in George.

Children of E.W. Eisentragers are Elaine, James and Doris. Elaine Eisentrager Schnepf was born in Alvord in 1927. She married Kenneth Schnepf in 1950. Lived in Decatur, Ind., 1950-1963 and now lives on a farm near Alvord. There are five children: Suzanne, 17; Scott, 16; Kevin, 12; Timothy 11; and Chris, 10. She is presently teaching kindergarten in the West Lyon Community School.

James A. Eisentrager was born in Alvord in 1929. Presently is associate professor of art, University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Exhibited paintings in Europe and throughout the rest of the United States, 1961-1967. Married Dorene Gustafson of Albert City, 1957. They have four children: Thor James, 10; Evan Thomas, 8; Sten Ernst, 6; and Gretchen Dorene, 3; In the fall of 1968 he will be on a leave of absence in England .

Doris E. Eisentrager Herdliska was born in Alvord in 1932, and is now teaching second grade in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Married Merle Herdliska August 18, 1962.

Erdman, John

Erdman, John – born February 9, 1864 in Germany. He came to the United States when he was 18 years old. He married Miss Catherine Pick of New Vienna, Iowa in 1893. They had nine children who are as follows: Margaret (Mrs. Henry Kroeger); Gertrude (Mrs. James Brown); Anthony; Cecelia; Louis; Arthur; Agatha (Mrs. C.C. Weiland); Helen (Mrs. Wm. Schwaller); Florence (Mrs. Albert Kroger). Mr. Erdman was the town blacksmith from the year 1926 until his death in 1939.

Fields, Jacob F.

Fields, Jacob F. – born in Clinton County, Iowa on May 13, 1858. He was united in marriage to Mary Elizabeth Penfold December 30, 1880. Mrs. Fields was born in Illinois October 31, 1861. In 1886 they came to Logan township northwest of Alvord where they farmed and spent the remainder of their lives in retirement. They were the parents of six children: Ord (married Anna De Bates and is now deceased); Mabel (married to Otto Baden, she is now deceased); Irl (married to Constance Swenson, are now retired from farming and living in Jasper, Minn.); Roy (married Myrtle Halstenson, retired in Rock Rapids after farming and is working for the state); Grace (married to Arthur E. Anderson farmed the Fields farm where they are now retired).

Fitzgerald C.F

Fitzgerald C.F. – Mr. and Mrs. C.F. Fitzgerald came to Alvord with their family about 1916 where he edited and published the Alvord Register newspaper until the time of his death in August, 1931. Mrs. Fitzgerald passed away in August, 1958. To this union the following children were born: Henrietta (Mrs. P.B. Liming); Alice (Mrs. E.W. Eisentrager); the late C.J. Fitzgerald (editor of the Lyon County News at George until June, 1962); H.F. Fitzgerald (editor of the Alvord Register from 1931 to 1963); and E.C. Fitzgerald mechanical superintendent of the Lyon County Reporter, Rock Rapids.

Fitzgerald, Claude E.

Fitzgerald, Claude E. – was united in marriage to Kate Kahl in Doon, November, 1906. They moved to Alvord where he edited the Alvord Register some years and later was a rural mail carrier. Six children were born to them in Alvord: Bernice (Mrs. Franklyn Huizenga) Inglewood, Calif.; Blanche (Mrs. Samuel Davenport) Falls Church, Virginia; Hal (Culver City, Calif.); Charles (Van Nuys, Calif.); Margaret (Mrs. Jerome Lange) Eau Claire, Wisc.; and Joseph of Los Angeles. Mr. Fitzgerald preceded his wife in death in California where they had resided for many years.

Flanery, Edward

Flanery, Edward – born in Sandy Hook, Ky. June 24, 1873 and died near Humboldt, SD, march 28, 1928, in a car-train crash. He was a Deputy U.S. Marshall at that time. He was united in marriage to Katie M. Wiesensee February 11, 1896. They lived three miles north of Alvord and also in Alvord. He taught school and farmed. They moved to Sioux Falls in March, 1921. Mrs. Flanery was born March 11, 1880 at Holstein, Iowa. She died in Sioux Falls Feb. 11, 1956 on their wedding anniversary. She was a seamstress, making draperies for stages in theatres and schools. They were the parents of ten children, seven boys and three girls: William, Boulder, Colo.; George (deceased); Edward, Sioux Falls; Minnie (Mrs. Francis Lass, deceased); Marcela (Mrs. Perry Bowersox) Sioux Falls; John, Cincinnati, Ohio; Leon, Buena Park, Calif.; Paul, Winterset, Iowa; and Mary Ann (deceased).

Frembgen, Leo

Frembgen, Leo – born in Wisconsin May 4, 1850, he married Teresa Brandt, who was born in 1862. The family consisted of seven girls and two boys. They operated the hotel for several years prior to 1906 and again from 1908 to 1914; Mrs. Frembgen continuing the business with the aid of her family after her husband’s death, August 12, 1908. Retiring from business Mrs. Frembgen lived in Alvord until her death in 1943. Several remaining members of the family now live in California.

Friedrichsen, George

Friedrichsen, George – born June 20, 1900 at Montrose, SD. He has been postmaster at Alvord since 1942. He married Hidegarde Ahrens August 30, 1928. She was born September 25, 1903 at Alvord. They are the parents of one child, Dona Mae. She married Rev. Durwood L. Buchheim August 2, 1953 and they live in Waterloo, Iowa. They have four children: Mark, Martin, James and Sara Ann.

Fridrichsen, Thomas

Fridrichsen, Thomas – born April 5, 1887 at Rock Valley, Iowa. He was engaged in painting at Alvord, married Tena Schemmel February 17, 1920, started farming in 1923, retired to Alvord in 1948, passed away November 6, 1954. Tena passed away February 15, 1985.

Gilman, Emil

Gilman, Emil – Pastor Emil Gilman came from Wynatt, Mich., to Alvord, Iowa, in 1887. This was his first parish. He was also assisting the Peace Lutheran congregation six miles south of Rock Valley at this time. He was pastor in Alvord until 1903. During that time four children were born to Pastor and Mrs. Gilman. The eldest being Emma, who now resides in Akron, Iowa. Agatha, who passed away in 1918; Louise, who is living in Charles City, Iowa; and Emil who is now living in Los Angeles, California. During this time the parsonage was connected directly to the church, part of which is the Christ Lutheran Church in Alvord today. Pastor Gilman retired in 1936 after nearly 40 years of service.

Goldschmit, Jacob

Goldschmit, Jacob – born in Luxemburg December 21, 1870, came to America at age 14 and to Alvord about 1891. He married Susan Bechler in 1898. She was born in Luxemburg in 1874 and came to America when she was three years of age. They were parents of nine children: Theodore, Joseph, Edward, Matilda (McDonald), Mary (Doyle), Anne (Coulson), Josephine (Greene) and Frances (Pinggaard) all of the Lake Prestin, Erwin, Badger and DeSmet area in South Dakota. The other son William lives in Long Beach, California. While in Alvord Mr. Goldschmit followed the carpenter trade working with this brother Theodore building many of the homes and business places. He played a clarinet, was a member of the first band, also played for dances in the community. They moved from Alvord to a farm near Lake Preston, SD in 1910. Mr. Goldschmit died in 1913 and Mrs. Goldschmit in 1960.

Goldschmit, Theodore

Goldschmit, Theodore – born November 2, 1863 in Luxembourg, settled in Toledo, Ohio, when he first came to the United States, coming to Alvord in 1891. On January 17, 1893 he married Anna Schmit in Remsen, Iowa. She was born February 14, 1873 in Luxembourg. Shortly after their marriage Mr. Goldschmit brought his bride to Alvord and settled in the new home he had just build in the west part of town. With his brother Jake he owned and operated a millwork shop on Main Street which they opened in 1891 and continued for a number of years. During his years in Alvord Mr. Goldschmit constructed many of the homes and business buildings as well as the school, churches and parsonages. He and Mrs. Goldschmit were pioneer members of Sacred Heart parish. He served on the city council for many years, resigning in 1946 when he moved to California. They had nine children: Jake, John, Mary, Virginia, Clarence, Josephine, Lucille, Martin and Loretta. Mr. Goldschmit died February 18, 1949; Mrs. Goldschmit November 7, 1958.

Groth, Carsten

Groth, Carsten – born January 5, 1862 in Heidi, Germany. He was united in marriage to Jennie Somme, June 10, 1891. Seven children were born to this union. Their occupation was farming and settled one and one-half miles west of Alvord. Mr. Groth passed away May 9, 1942. June 11, 1893 the first business meeting of the Lutheran church in Alvord was held. The Constitution was adopted and signed by the charter members and Mr. Groth was one of the members and he also served as a deacon.

Gust, Albert

Gust, Albert – born in Freeport, Ill., April 25, 1875. He was united in marriage to Anna Schmidt of Hull, February 24, 1897. Mrs. Gust was born in Germany. Two children were born to this union: Ernest, born February 25, 1898, now lives in Loveland, Colo.; and a daughter, Mrs. Albert Schaffer, born January 10, 1903, now lives at Elkton, SD. They lived on various farms in the Alvord vicinity from 1899 to 1908, when they moved to Bushnell, SD. Mr. Gust passed away June 13, 1936 and Mrs. Gust passed away November 14, 1965.

Hamann, Herman L.

Hamann, Herman L. – son of Mr. and Mrs. John Hamann was born November 11, 1874 at Walcott, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Sophie Kappelman February 23, 1900. Mrs. Hamann was born October 16, 1880. In 1908 they purchased a farm two miles north of Alvord and lived there until they retired to Alvord in 1933. Three sons were born to this union: Gustav H. born December 24, 1901 and passed away July 26, 1926; John F. was born January 29, 1904; and Louis H. born April 30, 1906. Mr. Hamann was a long time director of the Farmer’s Elevator and also served as Secretary-Treasurer of Rural Telephone lines 4 and 12. He passed away April 26, 1944. Mrs. Hamann continues to make her home in Alvord.

John F. Hamann was united in marriage to Caroline Watke August 17, 1932. They are the parents of two children: Eldon of Larchwood; and Iva (Mrs. Merritt Peterson) of Minneapolis; and are farming three miles north of Alvord.

Louie H. farms two miles north of Alvord and on August 24, 1932 was united in marriage to Amanda Burmeister of Luverne, Minn. They are the parents of three daughters; Martha (Mrs. Terry Moser) of Lester; Velma (Mrs. Gary Rowles) of Mankato, Minn.; and Angela (Mrs. Wm. Zimmerman) of Peoria, Ill. Mr. Hamann is a charter member of the Gun Club and served as its first president.

Hamann, John J.

Hamann, John J. – born at Holstein, Germany, on March 1, 1851. At age 15 he crossed the ocean and located in Scott County. He was united in marriage to Anna C. Shaffer on February 12, 1894. He was employed as a laborer and later engaged in farming. He came to Lyon County in 1890. They were the parents of five children: Herman L.; Henry C.; Gustav W.; Alvina; and Celia. He was the director of the Fair Association of Sioux county and vice president of the Farmers Elevator company of Rock Valley. He was also a trustee of the Mutual Fire Association of Sioux and Lyon county. He served as road superintendent. He was associated in religious matters with the Lutheran church. He was a member of the Inwood Lodge IOOF and went through all the chairs of Alvord, Iowa, which lodge he joined later.

He retired from farming and came to Alvord in 1914. He built a new home here. John was active in town affairs and became mayor of Alvord. During this time he did much street improvement with his old horse and slip scraper. Mrs. Hamann passed away March 14, 1928. Mr. Hamann March 2, 1929.

Hagedorn, August

Hagedorn, August – born in Germany December 6, 1863. Louise Berg Hagedorn was also born in Germany June 23, 1870. Mr. Hagedorn came to America in 1883 and came to Lyon County in 1890. He was united in marriage to Louise Berg February 26, 1896 and the couple farmed east of Alvord until they moved to Alvord in 1929. Three children were born to this union: Jack, Rock Rapids; Leona (Mrs. Alfred Ahders), Inwood; and Tena, Alvord. Mr. Hagedorn passed away November 11, 1947 and Mrs. Hagedorn January 13, 1954.

Hansen, Julius

Hansen, Julius – born in Rock County, Minn. on December 23, 1884. He married Emma Johnson on March 16, 1901. She was also born in Rock County on July 11, 1887. They lived on a farm four miles north of Alvord until they retired in 1946. Mr. Hansen operated a threshing rig every fall of his faming life. They were the parents of four children: Milton, Lester; Marcella (Mrs. John Newborg) of Alvord; Melva Jean (Mrs. Otto Moser) deceased; and Nadine (Mrs. Ceel Van den Bring) Alvord, who lives on the Hansen farm. Mr. Hansen passed away May 19, 1968. His daughter, Mrs. Moser passed away June 1, 1968.

Hartung, Arthur Edward

Hartung, Arthur Edward – born January 8, 1884, he married Sybilla Bohlig who was born in Germany July 21, 1889. They came to Alvord from Nebraska in 1932 and farmed three miles east of town until 1937 when they retired and moved to Rock Rapids. There were four children: Charlotte and Arthur Jr., deceased; Margaret (Mrs. Leo Witt) of Rock Rapids; and William of Rochester, NY. Mrs. Hartung died in 1962; Mr. Hartung in 1965.

Hasselmann, Ernst Kai

Hasselmann, Ernst Kai – born in Germany in 1864. After coming to America he worked as a farm laborer and later bought a farm northeast of Alvord. He was united in marriage to Laura Jansen who was born in 1866. Three children were born to this union: Emma (Mrs. J.C. Langfeldt) Austin, Texas ; Paul, Rock Rapids; and Karl Friedrich, Houston, Texas. Mr. Hasselmann worked as a gardener in Germany and was known here for his beautiful flower gardens on the farm. Mr. Hasselmann passed away in 1944 and Mrs. Hasselmann preceded him in death in 1932. Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Langfeldt were the parents of four daughters. Mr. Langefeldt passed away in 1957. Paul was united in marriage to Bertha Arp and to this union three children were born: Leona (Mrs. Ray Garrett); Leonard and Ruth (Mrs. Grant Moen). Mrs. Hasselmann passed away in 1941. Later he married Lowene Rutherford and they are the parents of two daughters: Janet and Laurine. Karl after he left Alvord attended college where he received a degree in geology and has since been credited with the first drill for oil in the Gulf of Mexico and has since been in the petroleum field. He was united in marriage to Marjorie Meyer, the couple have no children. They reside in Houston, Texas .

Healy, John

Healy, John – born in County Cork, Ireland in 1841. He married Barbara Kaufman. She was born at Sheboygan, Wisconsin in 1851. They came to Alvord in 1905. They had six children: Thomas, Peter, Nick, Mary, Emma and Dan.

Heerde, Hans

Heerde, Hans – born at Sarzbuettle, Germany November 26, 1846k Catherina Peters Heerde was born at Warfen, Germany, April 29, 1849. They came to Davenport in Scott County and were united in marriage April 11, 1872. Twelve children were born to this union with six surviving: Margareth (Mrs. Fred Heyden) died in 1941; Kathy (Mrs. Henry Holtz) died in 1932; Julius died in 1965; Bertha (Mrs. Johannes Schemmel); Charlie died in 1968; and Ella (Mrs. Rudolph Bauer). Mr. and Mrs. Heerde came to the Heerde family in the spring of 1900 and moved to Alvord in 1912 where they lived until their deaths. Mr. Heerde passed away in 1922 and Mrs. Heerde farm and was united in marriage to Helena Grassman November 8, 1911. Five children were born to them: Willie, Milford ; Rosie (Mrs. Henry Sonjus) Alvord; Julius, Milford ; Erma (Mrs. Louis Naatjes deceased); and Kenneth, Alvord. They remained on the Heerde farm until they retired to Inwood in 1945. Rosie was united in marriage to Henry Sonjus February 21, 1937. They moved into Alvord in 1956 where he does general building and farms the Heerde farm. David Naathes, son of Mrs. Louis Naatjes (deceased) makes his home at present with the Sonius. Kenneth was united in marriage to Jackie Schlumbohm January 15, 1958 and they are the parents of three children, Jeff, Beth and Todd. Mr. Heerde is employed at Peterson’s Lumber yard in Rock Rapids.

Hein, John

Hein, John – born January 10, 1869 in Dixon County, Ill. Here he spent his early boyhood and at the age of 14 he moved with his parents to Ida Grove, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Alvena Mundt October 20, 1902, and moved to Alvord where he lived until he passed away March 31, 1938. They were they parents of three children: Henrietta, Nellie and Edwin. Edwin was born October 22, 1905. He was united in marriage to Helen Thielvoldt in 1936. One son, Lawrence, was born to the October 6, 1939.

Hesebeck, John

Hesebeck, John – born in Germany February 18, 1857 and in 1900 married Emma Dethlefs who was born December 31, 1871 in Germany. Two children were born to this union: a son, Arno; and a daughter, Lulu. Mr. Hesebeck farmed in Lyon County before his marriage and then entered into partnership with Pete Stein in the John Deere Implement business in Alvord until his death February 7, 1917. Arno, was born January 25, 1902 and is living now in Rock Rapids. Lulu was born January 13, 1906, and was married to Lester Crouse, September 20, 1924 and are farming her parents farm. Two children were born to this union: Phyllis (Mrs. Robert Rydell) of Rock Rapids; and Eugene of Montgomery, Ill.

Heyden, F.G.

Heyden, F.G. – came to Lyon County from Davenport in Scott County where he was born in 1869. He was united in marriage to Margareth Heerde December 25, 1889 in Scott County. Mrs. Heyden was born March 27, 1868. Their occupation was farming. They were the parents of six children: Lillie (Mrs. Robert Wilke, deceased); Ferd, Alvord; Freda (Mrs. John Mundt) Kider, SD; Leonard (deceased); Charlie, Rock Rapids; and Stella (Mrs. Henry Petersen) Lake Benton, Minn. The couple celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1939. Mr. Heyden passed away in 1945 and Mrs. Heyden preceded him in 1941.

Holthaus, Barney

Holthaus, Barney – born in Festina, Iowa in 1855. He married Elizabeth Frerich in 1885 at Festina. They had five children: Joe (deceased); Frederika (known as Catherine, Mrs. Ed Hartigan) Omaha, Nebr. ; Victoria (deceased); Alma (Mrs. Joe Gaynor) Fort Dodge, Iowa; and Evalyn (Mrs. Elmer F. Page) Gary, Indiana. Alma and Evalyn were born in Alvord and Alma taught school here in 1916 and 1917. He operated a lumber yard, machine shop and elevator. Will and Joe Frerich were employed by Barney. They moved to Ashton in 1896 and Barney died there in 1900. Elizabeth died at Gary, Indiana in 1936.

Jacobsen, Christian H.

Jacobsen, Christian H. – born August 6, 1850 at Riessebye, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. He married Dorothea Jessen September 23, 1873. She was born June 5, 1846 at Gumelz, Ulsnisngeln, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. They came to America in 1883 and to Lyon County in 1896 settling on their farm four miles southwest of Alvord. This is the farm where Milo Hanzen now lives. Their children were: Kathryn (Mrs. Chris Schmidt); Johannes; Mary; Dora (Mrs. Herman Reimers); Peter, Nicklaus and Emma (Mrs. John Kappelmann). Mrs. Jacobsen died March 25, 1916. There were two houses on their farm and in the fall of 1916 Mr. Jacobsen moved one of them into Alvord where he resided for a time. This is the house now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Herschel Bradley. In 1920 Mr. Jacobsen built a new home and lived in it until his death January 23, 1927. It is the place now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Von Der Lieth. Emma Jacobsen Kappelmann was the mother of Herman Kappelmann now residing in Alvord.

Jacobsen, Willie

Jacobsen, Willie – born on August 19, 1896. He married Anna Serck who was born on October 5, 1901. They came to Alvord in 1941 and lived here until 1953 when they moved to South Bend, Indiana. Willie operated a trucking service here and also the county road patrol. He died on July 30, 1962. They had six children: Mildred; Erwin; Lyle (deceased); Glenn; Mila; and Joan, all of whom have left Alvord.

Jahr, Rev. Erwin H.

Jahr, Rev. Erwin H. – was born at Primghar, Iowa April 24, 1889. He attended Wartburg College at Waverly and Wartburg Seminary, Dubuque and was ordained in the Lutheran ministry in 1911. From 1911 to 1929 he served Christ Lutheran church at Alvord. He was united in marriage to Kathryn Kroger of Alvord in 1913; to this union two daughters were born: Esther (Mrs. Arthur Johnson) Portland, Ore. ; and Virginia (Mrs. Arne Strand) Seattle, Wash. Rev. Jahr passed away at Cornelius, Wash. October 4, 1954.

Jensen, Henry

Jensen, Henry – born December 18, 1862 in Scott County, Iowa. His wife Allie was born September 5, 1860 in Germany. They were married February 6, 1887 and were the parents of three children: Raws; Clay; and Eva. In 1897 they bought a farm near Alvord and farmed approximately until 1912 and a few years later started a cream station. Mr. Jensen passed away in April 1935 and Mrs. Jensen September 5, 1960.

Johnson, Henry (Hine) G.

Johnson, Henry (Hine) G. – born September 15, 1888. He married Augusta Wagner on October 5, 1910. She was born April 23, 1890. They had five children: Elsie (who married Herman Loges, later remarried John E. Meyer of Boyden, Iowa); Louie; Emma (deceased); and Luella (Mrs. Chas. Heyden). The Johnsons farmed north of Alvord in 1911. Mrs. Johnson once saw a large rat run out of Ralph Trzynka’s butcher shop. She killed it with a hoe and was rewarded with a ring of fresh metwurst.

Junge, Henry, Sr.

Junge, Henry, Sr. – born in the village of Cadenberge in the province of Hanover, Germany, February 13, 1866 to Henry Junge and his wife, Gesina Winters Junge. In 1882 when he was 16 years old he came to America and to Davenport where he worked in a stone quarry crushing rock with hand tools. He came to northwest Iowa in a horse drawn wagon and about 1894 acquired a farm between Alvord and Larchwood. In 1896 he was united in marriage to Catherine Schmidt, two children were born to this union: John in Missouri ; and Mrs. Minnie Wandersee who lives in Minnesota. Mrs. Junge passed away in 1910. In 1911 he was united in marriage to Louise Schultz. She was born in Kaiserlanten, Germany January 14, 1894. To this union the following children were born: Henry W., Sioux City ; William, Sioux City ; Fritz, Pipestone; Annie (Mrs. John Towne) Alvord; Louise, (Mrs. Jake Kuper) Ellsworth, Minn.; and Maire (Mrs. Clifford Fitchner) Muscatine, Iowa. Mr. Junge retired and moved to Alvord in 1950 and passed away October 16, 1952, Mrs. Junge is residing in Alvord.

Kappelmann, Herman C.

Kappelmann, Herman C. – born at Sedam, Germany on May 28, 1853. In 1896 he and his wife Marie (Hasselbrack) came to America. Marie was born at Affinghausen, Hanover, Germany on May 25, 1856. One daughter Anna came here in 1894. They were the parents of ten children: Anna; Sophie; John; Henry; Mary; Margaret; Henrietta; Fred; Lena ; and Freida. They settled just northeast of Alvord where the government grain bins were. They first year he worked for Ferdinand Stettnichs and the next year he farmed southwest of Alvord. Later the family moved to South Dakota but Sophie stayed in Alvord working for the Schemmel’s and sewing for others. Sophie married Herman L. Hamann February 23, 1900. At the present time she resides in Alvord and is the oldest resident.

Kappelmann, Herman

Kappelmann, Herman – Mr. and Mrs. Herman Kappelmann came to the Alvord community from Germany in 1896; in 1899 they moved to Garretson, SD. Their son John Kappelmann returned to Alvord in 1902 and worked for wages. Notes from his diary in 1896 to 1898 include the following entries: He received $3 per month for spring field work and $6 per month during harvest. Oats sold at 10cents per bushel; barley 14cents per bushel and shelled corn 6cents per bushel. He picked corn (by hand) in deep snow for 1cent per bushel, had no overshoes but used gunny sacks over his shoes for protection. On January 16, 1907 he married Emma Jacobsen and started farming three miles west of Alvord. They were parents of three children: Herman, Frieda (Mrs. Lawrence Griebel) deceased and Louie. In 1913 he bought a farm 1 ½ miles northeast of Alvord. In 1818 he built a new house, the old one was moved into Alvord and is presently occupied by the Maynard Bos family. Mrs. Kappelmann died March 1, 1923. In 1927 Mr. Kappelmann married Mina Jessen at Luverne, Minn. In 1934 he bought a farm northeast of Pipestone and moved there. His son Herman moved onto the Alvord farm, where he remained until the place was sold to Thiessen Bros. in 1940, and Herman also moved to the Pipestone vicinity. John Kappelmann died January 23, 1961; Mrs. Kappelmann died January 23, 1961; Mrs. Kappelmann October 9, 1962. Herman and family returned to Alvord in 1948, and bought a house in the south part of town where they have since resided.

Kelly, James

Kelly, James – One of the earliest settles of the Alvord Community was Mr. James Henry Kelly. He and his brother, Patrick Kelly, came to Lyon County in the spring of 1885 from Indiana. The building site for his small homestead was located on the area somewhere between what is now the Lutheran and Catholic Cemeteries. The town of Alvord, or Park, as it was first called, had been plotted and soon afterwards the building of the town began. On November 15, 1887, Mr. Kelly was united in marriage to Marie Donahue and moved to a farm about two miles east of the new town. The Kelly family consisted of four children: Blanch and Everett, now deceased; Frank who lives on the home place; and Ralph, who with his family lives a mile and a half north. The children of Ralph and Minnie Kelly are: Mary Therese, who is married to Wm. Smith, an architect employed by the City Planning Commission of Boston, Mass. They have three children: Maria Louise, 6, Sean, 4, and Rebecca Rachel, 2; The other Kelly children are James, Jr., high school instructor in Central Lyon, Rock Rapids, and who also farms the home place; Dan is the youngest and is a graduate student at the University of Texas, Austin.

Kelly, John

Kelly, John – a well known farmer of the community was born on the family farm two miles east of Alvord, May 26, 1886. On March 3, 1919, he married Mary Waters in Immaculate Conception church, Petersville, Iowa, and have continued through the years to make their home on the same place. They have two children: Vernon, who married Betty McCoy of Emmetsburg in 1946 and farmed in this area until this spring when they moved to Sac City with their four sons. One son Joe is in the U.S. army. Madonna married Bernard Hall May 25, 1948 and with their nine children reside on a farm near Elk Point, SD.

Kelly, Joseph A.

Kelly, Joseph A. – a son of Patrick and Jane Kelly was born on the family farm east of Alvord July 15, 1888. He married Josephine Frembgen December 26, 1922. She was born in Nebraska July 27, 1889. They farmed east of Alvord until Joe’s health failed, then moved to Casper, Wyoming, for a short time. Since the change in climate produced little benefit they returned here. Joe, a World War I veteran, died May 27, 1942. After his death Josie operated the local telephone exchange until her death December 28, 1943. They had one daughter Lois Mae (Mrs. Gerrit Van Beek) of Wyoming, Michigan .

Kelly, Patrick

Kelly, Patrick – born April 27, 1856 in New Haven, Conn. He moved with his family to Indiana in 1858, coming to Iowa in 1869, locating first in Benton County then in Cherokee County. On January 2, 1884 he married Jane Barron in Benton County. She was born near Freeport, Ill., in 1861 and came to Iowa in 1868. In the spring of 1885 the Kellys came to Lyon county settling on the farm in Doon township two miles east of Alvord, which he had purchased and broke ground on the previous fall. They worked and improved this farm until they retired in 1919, and moved to Rock Rapids. Of their eight children, five are deceased: Charles, Joe, Clarence, Mae (Mrs. James Spain) and Agnes. Lucille resides in Rock Rapids, Florence presently in a nursing home, and John retired on the family farm. When the village of Alvord was started Pat Kelly bought the first lot in the town, which he later traded. He served in various township offices and was a member of the county board of supervisors six years. Mrs. Kelly died August 8, 1928; Mrs. Kelly May 10, 1938.

Kiel, Hans

Kiel, Hans – born September 16, 1887 near Perkins, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Sadie Burggraaf of Rock Valley, February 28, 1912. Mrs. Kiel was born at Pella, Iowa, April 20, 1892 and passed away February 26, 1937 at the age of 45. They were the parents of five children: Steve, Kent City, Mich.; Anna was married to Dick Klarenbeek in 1940. Four children were born to this union: Leonard, Sally, Wilhelmina and Richard. The family lived in the Alvord vicinity. Mrs. Klarenbeek passed away May 10, 1964 at the age of 47. Hermina was united in marriage to Edward Van Whye, have one child, and live in the Hull area. Jeannie was united in marriage to Lane Klarenbeek, Jr. in 1946, and they are the parents of three children: Wanda, Larry and Stanley. They are farming in the Alvord vicinity. Arie was united in marriage to Gertrude De Vries in 1950 and are the parents of six children: Ardis, Barbara, Charlene, Laurine, Julie and Russell. The family live in Alvord and Mr. Kiel is employed at Gage’s at Lester.

Klarenbeek, Lane

Klarenbeek, Lane – born June 14, 1893 in the Netherlands. He came to this country in 1912. He married Willemina Rozeboom at Alvord on May 25, 1916. She was also born in the Netherlands on November 1, 1899 and came to America in 1913. They farmed in the Alvord community all but the last 12 years of their married life. Mrs. Klarenbeek died July 30, 1960, and Mr. Klarenbeek died on October 19, 1966. They were the parents of 11 children: Ray of near Inwood, married Dora Fluit January 24, 1940. They have two children: Wilma and Carol; Dick of Alvord married Anna Kiel August 30, 1940. They have for children: Leonard, Sally, Wilhelmina and Richard. Anna passed away in 1964; Gertrude married Wm. Koedam February 20, 1946. They have six children: Merle, Vernon, Shirley, Wesly, Gloria and Kenneth. They live in the Alvord community; Lane, Jr. married Jennie Kiel December 6, 1946. They have three children: Wanda, Larry and Stanley. They live near Alvord; Jeannie married Keizer of Hull, Iowa on February 5, 1946. They have six children: James, Leon, Gerald, Wesly, Glen and Carla; Willemina married John Den Besten January 14, 1947. They have two children: Linda and Harlan. They live near Rock Valley, Iowa; Anna married James Wielenga of Boyden, October 17, 1952. They have five children: James, Leroy, Marlene, David and Lisa; Gerrit of Boyden married Geneva Van Beek February 26, 1958. They have four children: Donna, Barbara, Pamela and Thresa; Clarance of Hull married Mary Ann Kooima April 4, 1959. They have two children: Duayne and Douglas.

Kock, Christopher

Kock, Christopher – born February 16, 1869 near Davenport, Iowa. He was united in marriage to Bertha Miller February 20, 1895. That same year March 1st the moved to Lyon county on a farm northeast of Alvord. In 1924 they retired and moved to Lester, Iowa. Mr. Kock passed away March 14, 1952. Mrs. Kock passed away November 1954. They were the parents of three children: Harvey born November 14, 1897, and married Minnie Schemmel January 17, 1924. They farmed north of Alvord until the spring of 1932 and then moved to Elkton, South Dakota, where they retired. Harvey passed away July 5, 1962. They have five children: Donald, Loren, Lois, Shirley and Virgil. Loren Kock moved to Alvord in Dec. 1959 and is employed at the Alvord Produce. Loren and Delores are the parents of three children: Vickie, Lorie and Jeff. Harold Kock was born January 8, 1898. He married Harriet Morgan November 24, 1925. They farmed north of Alvord and then moved to Valley Springs, SD. He was employed with John Morrell and Company of Sioux Falls for 17 years. He is now retired and lives in Valley Springs. They have three children: Duane, Roger and Patricia. William was born May 5, 1900. He married Hilda Schemmel June 9, 1926. They farmed in Lyon county until 1940 and then moved near Luverne, Minn., and farmed there four years. In 1945 they moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa. There he was employed until August 1949, then moved to Alvord and went into business known as the Alvord Produce.

Koll, George

Koll, George – born at Hardwick, Minn., in 1897 to Mr. and Mrs. Matthias Koll. His father was born in Germany and came to the United States when he was 15 years old. Mrs. Koll was born in Ohio. They were married at Oberlein, Kan., and came to Minnesota in 1890 by covered wagon. Eight children were born to this union, George being the fourth eldest. He was married to Martha Rath February 12, 1919 and moved to the Alvord vicinity in 1922 where they farmed until 1946 when they moved into Alvord. Mr. Koll worked on dirt construction work for 20 years retiring in 1966. He has been mayor of Alvord for six years now serving his fourth term. Mr. and Mrs. Koll are the parents of five children: Marvyl (Mrs. Norval Kahl) Inwood; Howard; Aimee (Mrs. Harold Schlumbohm) both of Rock Rapids; Darryl, Pipestone; and Beverly (Mrs. Vernon Schmidt) Willmar, Minn.

Kramer, Jacob

Kramer, Jacob – born at Worthington, Iowa, in 1843. He married Elizabeth Cremer of Cascade, Iowa, in 1884. He bought a section of farm land southeast of Alvord for $8.00 per acre. In 1888 they moved to this farm. They had nine children: Nick; George; Pete, John; Mat; Mary; Elizabeth ; Ann and Susan. John Kramer married Anna Kelly in 1903. Mrs. Kramer had come to Alvord territory in 1889 and lived in a log cabin on a farm three miles south of what is now Alvord. The Kramers lived on the original homestead and had four children: Gladys (Mrs. Joe Ripperda) Rock Valley, Iowa ; Vernon, Denver, Colorado ; Agnes (Mrs. Tom McCarty) of Alvord, Iowa ; and Clifford of Alvord. Mrs. Kramer died in 1967. Clifford Kramer married Euphemia Warborg on June 24, 1937. They had six children: Gerald, Sioux Falls, SD ; Dennis, Sioux Falls, SD ; William, deceased; Joseph, Alvord; Kathleen in College in Sioux City, and Nancy, Alvord. Gerald and his family lived for a time in the old family home, being the fifth generation of Kramers to do so.

Kramer, Peter

Kramer, Peter – born October 22, 1874. He was married to Emma Taashaler in Rock Valley, Iowa on May 30, 1900. They bought the north half of the family farm from his father and continued to live there until his death on October 31, 1943. They had six children: Valerian (deceased); Frances (deceased); Raymond, at home; Paul, Larchwood, Iowa ; Urban at home; and Alverna (deceased). There are three children of Jacob Kramer still living. They are Nick, 98 years old of Minot, ND ; John, 92 years old of Rock Valley, Iowa ; and Mary Kramer Wagner, 88 years old of Sioux Falls, SD.

Kreber, Eugene

Kreber, Eugene – born in Alsace-Lorraine, France May 30, 1881. He came to Tama county with his parents and later to Lyon county. He was united in marriage to Mary Sieck and five children were born to this union: Mary (Mrs. Lou Mundt, deceased); Anna (Mrs. Steve Woolway, deceased); Louise (Mrs. Fred Kroger) Puyallup, Wash ; Harry (deceased); and Ed of Ashton. Their occupation was farming. Mr. Kreber passed away January 29, 1942 and Mrs. Kreber May 12, 1938. Their daughter, Anna was a registered nurse and served in France during World War I.

Kreber, Leo

Kreber, Leo – who conducted one of the first blacksmith and machine shops in Alvord was born in France. After coming to America he lived for a time in Remsen where he married Frances Daldropp. They were parents of six children: Margaret, John, Joe, William, Genevieve and Lenore. In 1907 they moved to a farm southwest of Alvord and after several years to a farm near Flandreau, SD. Margaret who was an accomplished seamstress soon returned to Alvord, practiced her trade for a time and later clerked in Meyer store. She married Lou Bramstedt (deceased); is now living in LeMars.

Kroeger, Claus

Kroeger, Claus – born March 16, 1844 in Kiel, Germany. He married Johanna Steenoher in Davenport, Iowa. Johanna was born April 1, 1851 in Germany. They moved to Lyon County March 1, 1888 where they farmed two and one half miles east of Alvord. They broke the soil for the first time and also built the house and barn that are there now. They had six children: Louis (deceased); Clara (Mrs. John Berg-deceased); Herman (deceased); Henry (deceased) and Jon (Ellsworth, Wisc.). Mrs. Kroger died in 1902 and Mr. Kroeger died January 24, 1925.

Kroeger, Louis H.

Kroeger, Louis H. – born in Scott County September 20, 1871. He came to Lyon county from Davenport in 1893 and was united in marriage to Laura Paustian November 22, 1894. To this union three children were born: Edwin C. and Gilbert T., Alvord; and Elsie (Mrs. Wm. Weber) Moline, Ill. Mrs. Kroeger passed away August 5, 1907 and Mr. Kroeger passed away July 27, 1941. The farm is still being farmed by Ed Kroeger who was born October 11, 1895. He was united in marriage to Hilda Stoltenberg in 1928 and are the parents of two daughters Elaine (Mrs. George Childress) Rock Rapids; and Melva Jean (Mrs. Eugene Kohnen) Sioux City. The Childress’ have five children. Gilbert farms and makes his home in Alvord.

Kroger, Henry H.

Kroger, Henry H. – born in the village of Vitzdorf on the island of Fehmann in the Baltic Sea September 12, 1866. In 1883 he came to Scott county and to Lyon county in 1888 and bought a farm northwest of Alvord. He sent for his parents Mr. and Mrs. Jochim Kroger and brothers and sisters, started them farming and giving the farm to them. He bought another farm and started to build and break sod again. He was united in marriage to Dorothea Nessler December 10, 1890 and four sons and one daughter were born to them: Fred J. (deceased); Edward H., Puyallup, Wash. ; John P. (deceased); Mrs. Kathryn Jahr, Portland, Ore. One son died in infancy. They retired from farming in 1915 and moved to Alvord. Mr. Kroger built the garage building in Alvord now owned by the Farmers Elevator Co. and housing the town fire houses. He was active in community affairs serving on the school board, town council, served as mayor and largely through his efforts the present Lutheran parsonage was built in 1912. Mrs. Kroger passed away August 18, 1930 and Mr. Kroger August 25, 1945.

Langfeldt, John

Langfeldt, John – lived with his parents on Section 22 in Cleveland township. On the afternoon of January 12, on his way home from school he was caught in the terrible blizzard of 1888. He wasn’t found until the next morning, alive, but with both hands and feet frozen. Dr. G.C. Wallace of Rock Rapids performed the amputation at the John Klahn farm home, with Mrs. Klahn and Mrs. John Reimers assisting the doctor, with the instruments being boiled in a wash boiler. His hooks which were his hands would be removed at meal time and a special knife and fork would be inserted for eating. He was 12 years of age at the time. He grew to manhood and worked as a farm laborer and later went to California with his brother where he lived until he passed away. This case was written up in the Medial Journal as this was the only case in medical history where both hands and feet were amputated and the person lived.

Langfelt, Fritz

Langfelt, Fritz – born in Scott County, Iowa March 20, 1884. He married Emma Delfs on February 14, 1917. She was born in Germany on October 15, 1890. They had five children: William (Alvord), Harold (Alvord); Dorothy ( Sioux Falls ); Freddie (Alvord) and Betty (Rock Rapids – Mrs. Harold Hasche). They have five children; Harold Langfeldt was married to Marguerite Hutt on March 20, 1964. They, together with William, live on the home place. Freddie Langfeldt, was married to Theresa Schuttoffel in 1951. They have four children: Gary, Joan, Bonnie and Brenda.

Lape, Al

Lape, Al – moved to Alvord from the Larchwood-Inwood area in 1933 with five children: Dorothy (Mrs. Henry Bahrenfuss of Doon ); Emma (Mrs. Harold Nagel); Cleo (Mrs. Herman Reit Jr. of California ); and Junior. On October 8, 1938, at the age of eight years Junior was run over by the town grader near the Lutheran church and was killed instantly. Jerry was born February 27, 1940. Al Lape died November 4, 1946. Mrs. Lape ran the telephone office from 1944 until 1960.

Levens, Thomas E.

Levens, Thomas E. – Thomas Edward Levens of Alvord and Mary Corcoran of Larchwood were married in St. Mary’s church at Larchwood by Father McCormick April 3, 1894. They came to Alvord to make their home and were members of Sacred Heart Church. Mr. Levens taught in rural schools ($30 per month) and was a carpenter by trade. He served as mayor of Alvord and was city clerk for several years. Their family consisted of four daughters and three sons: Rilla (Mrs. Cloy McKeegan) of Rock Valley ; Genevieve (Mrs. Wm. A. Reilly) of Rock Valley; Olive, Philadelphia, PA; Edward – deceased, 1954, a World War II veteran, buried in National Cemetery at San Diego, Calif.; Theresa, Dubuque, Iowa; John (deceased, 1960); Lawrence – Philadelphia, PA (a World War II veteran); Mr. Levens died April 10, 1945 and Mrs. Levens June 13, 1943.

McCarty, John

McCarty, John – born in 1858 in Princeville, Ill. He married Ellen Dolin, and in 1891 moved to a farm he bought northwest of Alvord. They had six children: Irvie, (who married Ida Gary), they had two children; John and Edna. He died in 1946; Mabel (who died in infancy); Nellie (Mrs. George Weisensee) lived north of Alvord until in 1936 they moved to a farm near Lennox, SD. They had one daughter, Dorothy; Lulu, passed away at the age of 17; Edna (Sister Mary Benica) Chicago, Ill. ; Catherine (Mrs. Wm. Bruer of Larchwood, Iowa). They had six children: Ella Marie; Mildred (Sister Mary Eldred); Robert; Eileen; Donald and Betty. Mrs. McCarty died in 1897. Mr. McCarty remarried in 1898 to Emma Jorgensen at Alvord. To this union were born seven children: George, who lives on the home place, married Anna Van Beek. They had four children: Connie, George Jr., Jim and Jeannie; Ray, who lives northwest of Alvord, married Nell Van Beek. They have one daughter Sharon; Paul died in infancy; Ruth (Mrs. Nick Kelley of Sioux Falls ). They had three daughters: Patricia, Sheila and Colleen; Tom, who lives northwest of Alvord, married Agnes Kramer. They had six children: Thomas J.; Marlene; John; Paul; Judy and Michael; Olive (Mrs. Ed Adams of Chicago, Ill. ). They have five children: Thomas; Gloria; Susan; Patricia and Mary Frances (who died soon after birth); Alice (Mrs. David Wagner of Spencer, Iowa ). They have one son, Dennis. John McCarty died in 1933, and his wife, Emma died in 1964.

McCarty, Thomas J.

McCarty, Thomas J. – born April 1, 1932 at Alvord. He married Martha Frembgen at Rock Valley on February 4, 1956. She was born at Rock Valley on January 4, 1936. They have six children: Mark; William; Debra; Joseph; Barbara and Colleen. They lived in Alvord for a time when Tom worked as a mechanic in Lester, Iowa. They now reside on a farm northeast of Alvord where is he working as a mechanic in Rock Rapids.

McDermott, John

McDermott, John – born in Ireland, wife Katherine born in County Down, Ireland in 1826. Mrs. McDermott was widowed before she moved to Alvord in 1884. They had four children: Hugh; James; Joseph; and Mary (who married George Weisensee). After Mr. Weisensee died, she married Grant Beck. They farmed four miles northwest of town.

McMullen, Edward

McMullen, Edward - born in County Cork, Ireland, in 1833. He married Siscelia Lanaghan in Ireland on February 16, 1852. She was also born in Ireland in 1830. They came to a farm southwest of Alvord about 1890 and later moved into Alvord. They were the parents of nine children: Catherine (Mrs. John Doherty); Daniel; Anna; Edward; Margaret (Mrs. John Spain); Rose (Mrs. James Kineen); Matthew; Mary (Mrs. Joseph Duffy); and Cecelia (Mrs. John Mann). Mr. McMullen died September 4, 1900 and Mrs. McMullen died September 30, 1897.

Meyer, Henry

Meyer, Henry – born at Denison, Iowa on February 5, 1873. He came to Lyon County in 1895 and worked in a general store at Inwood before buying a store in Alvord the same year. He was married to Matilda Everson on December 30, 1896 at Inwood. They had two children: Dr. Herbert Meyer, who practiced medicine in Sioux Falls before his death in 1933; and Esther, who married Edwin Ahrens June 27, 1929 at Alvord. Henry Meyer died in 1948 and Mrs. Henry Meyer died in 1923.

Meyer, Claus

Meyer, Claus – The C. Meyer & Co. store was purchased in the year 1895 by Claus Meyer who moved to Alvord from Denison, Iowa, in that year. This was continued as a partnership with his son, Henry, and his son-in-law, Gus Lorenzen, for a number of years. It was then sold to his son, Henry and Gus Lorenzen. In about the year 1908 Henry Meyer purchased the interest of Gus Lorenzen who moved to Pendelton, Ore., where his widow still resides. In January 1924, the store and nearby buildings were destroyed by fire. The business was carried on in several other locations until his death in 1948. Henry Meyer operated a store in Alvord for a total of 53 years.

Meyer, Peter H.

Peter H. Meyer Senior was born in Holstein, Germany, March 11, 1844. At the age of 15, Mr. Meyers started for Australia attracted by word of the gold discovery. After 120 days on ship board he reached that country where he spent ten years in the gold fields. Then he returned to Germany and took part in the Franco-Prussian War. In 1872 he came to America.

He was married to Bertha Klitzke on February 1, 1876 at Davenport. In 1885 he came to Lyon County and settled on a farm four miles east of Alvord. Their daughter Ella was born in the morning when the blizzard of January 12, 1888 struck. He died January 9, 1934, and Mrs. Meyers passed away April 14, 1935. They had twelve children: Metta (Mrs. Leonard Berg) deceased; Peter Jr., (deceased); Anna (Mrs. Henry Evers, deceased); Emma (Mrs. Bill Evers) living in Montana; Bertha (Mrs. Emil Klitzke) deceased; Louise (Mrs. Oliver Lasby) living in Denver, Colo.; Ella (Mrs. Carl Hasche) in California; Carl in California; John in Oregon; Marie (Mrs. Bill Bennett) of Flandreau, SD; Louis in Minnesota and Albert died in infancy.

Moeller, Hans

Moeller, Hans – born February 17, 1855 at Schleswig-Holstein, Germany and was united in marriage to Christine Hartwigsen in 1887. Three children were born to this union: William; Lizzie Johnson and Mary Schlumbohm. Mrs. Moeller passed away in 1893. In 1895 Mr. Moeller was united in marriage to Christine Lange. Eight children were born to this union: Katherine; Anna Serck; Hans; Emma (Mrs. Harry Serck); Charley; Wilma (Mrs. George Bramstedt); Harry; and Dora Preiksat. Their occupation was farming and Mr. Moeller did secretary work for an insurance company. He passed away in 1926.

Mundt, George

Mundt, George – born February 27, 1875 at Davenport, Iowa. Alma Stoefen Mundt was born December 8, 1880. They were married in 1900 and were the parents of three children. Mr. Mundt was a merchant and undertaker in Alvord. He passed away November 2, 1946. Mrs. Mundt has her home in Alvord.

Mundt, Henry

Mundt, Henry – was born in Germany December 22, 1832 and was united in marriage to Henrietta Ehlers who was born in Germany January 12, 1839. They came to Lyon county near Alvord in 1888. The following children were born to this union: Henry Jr.; William; Bertha; Alvina; Claus; George; Ed; Gustav; and Lou. Their occupation was farming. Mr. Mundt passed away September 6, 1912 and Mrs. Mundt August 20, 1913. William Mundt, son of Henry, was united in marriage to Ida Stofferahn at Holstein, Iowa in 1888 and came to Lyon County in 1898. The following children were born to them: Minnie, Mrs. Henry Schacht (deceased); John (deceased); Adaila (deceased); Ida (Mrs. John Bull, deceased); Dora (Mrs. Ferd Heyden); Matilda (Mrs. Harry Hamann, deceased); William Jr.; Charles; Anne (Mrs. Lou Kroger); Emma (Mrs. Ben Irvine); Edna (Mrs. Clarence Buls); Leona (Mrs. Terry Senior); and Helen (Mrs. Harry Newborg). Claus Mundt, son of Henry was born in Germany October 18, 1868 and was united in marriage to Dora Schemmel February 26, 1896. Mrs. Mundt was born in Scott county in 1875. They settled in Lyon county where they farmed. The following children were born to this union: Gus, Alvord; Albert, Hartley; Alma (Mrs. Fred Stoltenberg) Hills; Elsie (Mrs. Ben Slob) Garretson, SD; Harold and Raymond, both of Sioux Falls. Mr. Mundt died in 1925, Mrs. Mundt in 1920. Gus Mundt, son of Claus, was born February 14, 1898 at Alvord and was unite din marriage to Cora Slob of Doon January 25, 1928. Mrs. Mundt was born March 6, 1900. Their occupation was farming near Alvord. One son, Dwaine, of Inwood was born to this union.

Nagel, Harold

Nagel, Harold – was born December 4, 1905 on a farm five miles east of Alvord. He moved to Alvord in 1906 and has lived here ever since. He married Vera Schacht and they had two children: Neil and Carlyn (Mrs. Ronald Jarm). She died on April 28, 1942. He married Emma Lape on October 20, 1943 in Alvord. She was born in Larchwood August 31, 1923 and had moved to Alvord in 1933. They had three children: Kenneth, Lynn and Kathy. Harold trucked from 1924 until December 1966.

Nagel, John

Nagel, John – was born June 5, 1866 in Holstein, Germany. At the age of 14 he came to America and settled in Ida Grove. In 1885 he moved to a farm five miles east of Alvord. He married Anna Schemmel on May 29, 1900. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Schemmel and was born at Davenport on October 29, 1875. They had two children: a girl who died in infancy and Harold. In 1906 they moved into Alvord where Mr. Nagel died November 4, 1934 and Mrs. Nagel died September 21, 1944.

Nagel, Otto

Nagel, Otto – Otto Nagel and Julia Ann Arp who were born and raised in Davenport, Scott county, Iowa, were married January 20, 1893 and they came to a farm near Alvord in 1895. About 1909 they moved into Alvord where Mr. Nagel was in the saloon business for a time and later operated a restaurant. They left Alvord in 1913, moving to Wisner, Nebraska, where Mr. Nagel was in the implement business. They had two daughters: Mabel born in Davenport and now deceased; Lena (Mrs. Robert Brazda) born on the farm in Lyon County, now in Wisner, Nebraska .

Nagel, Michael, Sr.

Nagel, Michael, Sr. – was born in Germany in 1824, Mrs. Nagel the former Maggie Frank, was also born in Germany in 1831. When they came to this country they settled on a farm southeast of what is now Alvord in 1883. They are buried in the Doon cemetery. They were the parents of Michael, Jr. Michael Nagel, Jr. was born at Detmarshew, Germany on September 27, 1855. He married Dora Scklimme on Sept. 26, 1880 and moved to a farm southeast of what is now Alvord in 1884. He died on March 4, 1929 and Mrs. Nagel died on September 11, 1951. They had 10 children: William (deceased, married Hulda Frerich); Matilda (Mrs. Carl Watke, of Rock Rapids); Henry (married Neola Feuerhelm); Louie (deceased); Herman (married Anna Jensen); Hugo (Alvord, married Ella Schemmel, and have three children); Lottie (Mrs. Edward Bruhn, deceased); Carl (Doon, Iowa, married Madalen Laackmann); Albert (married Gasiena Van Gorkom); and Alma (Mrs. Floyd Lehman of Doon, Iowa).

Nagel, W.F.

Nagel, W.F. – was born in Malm Ditmarahen, Germany, on June 22, 1868. He married Augusta Kroeger on February 13, 1895. They lived on a farm east of Alvord for 47 years. He died in 1946 and Mrs. Nagel died in 1954. They had five children: Harry ( Larchwood, Iowa ); Martha (Mrs. Herbert E. Puck of Davenport, Iowa ); Raymond (Dell Rapids, SD); Ann (Mrs. John Lottman of Alvord, living on the Nagel farm which has been in the family for 73 years); and Vera (Mrs. Rudolph Schemmel of Davenport, Iowa).

Newborg, Isaac

Newborg, Isaac – was born in Norway on July 11, 1867. He came to a farm five miles northwest of Alvord in 1891. He married Johanne Larson on September 21, 1898. He died in 1959, and Mrs. Newborg died in 1942. They had five children: Harry (Alvord); Celia (deceased – Mrs. Ivan Kelly of Denver ); John (Alvord, living on the Newborg farm); George ( Sioux Falls, SD ); and Dalbert (Alvord). Harry Newborg married Helen Mundt on September 22, 1931. They have two sons; Shirley ( Texas ); and Robert Newborg married Janet Schemmel on February 14, 1960. They have five children: Vicki; Merle; Byron; Joel; and Michaele. John Newborg married Marcella Hansen on March 16, 1942. They have one son, Douglas (U.S. Army in Germany ). Dalbert Newborg married Kathryn Eihausen on July 17, 1942. They have three children: Warren (Alvord); Bruce ( Sioux Falls ); and Kae (at home). Warren Newborg married RoxAnn Hamann. They have one daughter, April.

Nieland, Robert E.

Nieland, Robert E. – a son of Henry C. and Cecelia Dagen Nieland was born on Sioux County, June 21, 1884. He and his family farmed in the Alvord area. After his marriage to Edith May Peery in 1908 they lived with the Peer’s and continued to farm the same place until it was sold to Mr. Langefeldt. In the spring of 1930 the Nielands with their three daughters moved to Jeffers, Minn., where one daughter, Mrs. Harold Marsh still resides. Mrs. Nieland died in January 1945; and Robert Nieland in August 1965.

O'Connor, Maurice

O'Connor, Maurice – born August 13, 1856, in Dingle County, Kerry, Ireland. He married Mary Coyne on February 7, 1879. Seven children were born to this union: Michael, deceased; John, deceased; Mary Ann, deceased; Joseph, Rock Rapids; Leo, Iowa City; William, Cedar Rapids; and Clem, deceased. Maurice O’Connor left Ireland at age 17 as a stowaway on a ship bound for the United States. He immediately settled on a farm at Eagle Center, Iowa. His family moved to Lyon county in 1886 residing on a farm south of Alvord. Moved to the town of Alvord in 1925. Maurice died in 1939 and his wife Mary passed away in 1926.

O'Connor, Leo

O'Connor, Leo – Leo and Loretta Spain, deceased in 1946, were married November 25, 1913 at Alvord. The couple resided in Rock Valley, Iowa, from 1913 to 1916. Purchased a barber shop in Alvord in 1916 and lived continuously in Alvord until 1942 when the family moved to Iowa City, Iowa. The children were Teresa, Mrs. Harold Reynolds of Iowa City ; and twins Madeline, Mrs. Bernard Erdman, Cedar Rapids, and Margaret, Mrs. Richard Corcoran, Iowa City. Leo O’Connor was married to Margaret Dolzal in 1951 and they reside in Iowa City, Iowa .

Oldenburg, William

Oldenburg, William – born September 18, 1863. Passed away July 13, 1937. His parents were German immigrant farmers and settled in Scott county, Iowa, on a farm near Davenport. He graduated in 1883 as a competent accountant. He married Meta Kuelper, February 19, 1891. Passed away January 24, 1956. For three years they lived on a farm in Scott county and here their two oldest children were born. Stella Oldenburg Schnepf born February 14, 1892, and Malinda Oldenburg Wohlers born November 6, 1893. Malinda passed away May 27, 1942. William Oldenburg became interested in northwest Iowa and bought a half section of land in Logan Township and moved his family in the spring of 1894. On November 27, 1895, Esther Oldenborg Schnepf was born. William became quite a community leader serving on school board, township board of trustees, and Director of the Farmers Elevator in Lester. He served as county representative in the state legislature 1916 to 1917. April 20, 1900, a won Wilberg was born and passed away April 10, 1966. On September 25, 1903, a daughter, Amanda Oldenburg Schemmel was born.

Page, William Porter

Page, William Porter – born in Platteville, Wis., on November 13, 1868. He moved to Alvord in 1893 and opened a drug store, which he operated for 47 years. On June 2, 1899, he married Capitola Boggess at Alvord. In the year 1940, because of ill health, he sold out the stock of his drug store and moved to Aberdeen, and in 1941 to Watertown, where he made his home with his daughter until his death on July 22, 1948.

Peery, James M.

Peery, James M. – born in Indiana November 16, 1853. On January 31, 1877 he married Sarah Baysinger at Independence, Iowa. She was born in Illinois December 6, 1854. They lived in Blackhawk county, Iowa until they moved to Alvord about 1887. Their farm one and one half miles east and one and one half north of town is now owned and operated by Langfeldts. “Roe” Perry as he was known was a successful farmer and stock raiser specializing in purebred Shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. Every two or three years he would have a large tent put up on the farm and hold an auction sale which drew buyers from miles around. The Peery’s had six children, four girls and two boys, all are deceased. Mr. Peery died May 29, 1920; Mrs. Peery August 17, 1922.

Peters, Fred

Peters, Fred – born in Germany September 6, 1870. Agnes Bornholdt Peters was born in Scott county December 1, 1880. They were united in marriage January 8, 1902 and farmed near Inwood before moving to Alvord in 1913, where they operated a restaurant, pool hall, movie theatre and bowling alley. They were the parents of four children: Margaret (Mrs. Andy Knock, Melvin, Ia. ), Clara (Mrs. Ed Serck); Elsie (Mrs. H.W. Schlotfeldt) both of Alvord; and Chris, Puyallup, Wash. Mr. Peters passed away in March, 1949 and Mrs. Peters in January 1938.

Peters, Henry

Peters, Henry – born October 31, 1889 in Holstein, Germany. Berta Harbeck Peters was born in Holstein, Germany June 9, 1899. The couple were married in Germany January 27, 1911 and came to the United States in 1922. Three children were born to this union: Myrtle (Mrs. Lester Bettinga) Waverly, Ia., and they have four sons; Mary Ann (Mrs. Howard Werner) Portland, Ore. ; and Robert, Sioux Falls, and his wife Mary Lou have a daughter and three sons. They farmed until 1948 and moved to Alvord. He served on the town council until his death, May 18, 1955. Mrs. Peters makes her home in Alvord.

Ranschau, Marvin

Ranschau, Marvin – born at Rock Valley on May 1, 1931. He married Clara Mae Van Beek on December 10, 1951. She was born at Rock Valley on October 24, 1933. They have six children: Janice, Carla, Pamela, Annette, Kathryn, and Michael. They live on a farm which is a half mile south and a half mile west of Alvord.

Rath, James

Rath, James – came to America from Germany at the age of six. Mrs. Rath was also born in Germany and came here when she was 16. They were married in Scott County in 1887 and moved to a farm northeast of Alvord where they lived until 1915 when they retired and moved to Rock Rapids. Nine children were born to this union: Louis of Wessington Springs, SD; Minnie (deceased); Rudolph (deceased); Louise, of Rock Rapids; Albert of Rock Rapids; Ann of Pipestone; Clara of Kalispell, Mont. ; Martha (Mrs. George Koll) Alvord; and George of Pipestone.

Reimers, John

Reimers, John – born in Hollingstedt, Germany May 6, 1881. On October 23, 1907 he was united in marriage to Theresa Locht of Turning, Germany. They were the parents of one daughter, Gertrude, Mrs. Ferd Kahl. Mr. Reimers occupation was a carpenter and contractor in Alvord. He passed away November 3, 1942 and Mrs. Reimers August 16, 1964. As a carpenter and contractor he helped in the construction and development of a city square block, building new homes in the western part of Alvord. Gertrude Reimers Kahl graduated in 1927 and attended Cedar Falls and Morningside colleges and taught school eight years in the Alvord vicinity and was united in marriage to Ferd G. Kahl in 1936. Mr. and Mrs. Kahl farmed a number of years and are now living in Steen, Minn., where they operated a grocery store.

Reimers, John H.

Reimers, John H. – born in Germany in 1849 and came to the United States in May, 1868 and settled in Scott county, Iowa. In 1874 he was united in marriage to Caroline Clasen and four children were born to this union: Otto; Meta (Meiburg); Mary (Hasche); and Clara (Shenberger). Mr. Reimers located in Lyon County in 1885 buying farms in Cleveland, Doon and Garfield townships. Mr. Reimers helped to organize the first bank in Alvord. Otto Reimers helped to organize the first elevator in Alvord. Clara Reimers Scheneberger was born in 1887 on the home place. John H. Reimers died November 18, 1932. Mrs. John H. Reimers died December 13, 1924.

Reimers, Otto J.

Reimers, Otto J. – Otto J. Reimers and Ella Rohde were married at the Hans Rohde farm in Richland township, February 22, 1905 and farmed in Doon township until 1920 when they farmed nearer Rock Rapids. After being admitted to the bar in 1929 Otto Reimers and his wife moved to Rock Rapids where he practiced as an attorney. One daughter was born to them, Elva, Mrs. Kenneth Wallace. Mrs. Reimers passed away June 13, 1952 and Mr. Reimers May 18, 1967.

Ripperda, Joe

Ripperda, Joe – married Gladys Kramer December 28, 1926 and lived on the Reiley Homestead southwest of Alvord 40 years. Their family are: Madonna (Mrs. Don Plueger of Rock Valley ); Francis (married Jean Fieldsmith) home in Forth Worth, Texas, presently with the United States Army in Vietnam ; Mary Ann (Mrs. Carl Selken) of Larchwood; George, at home with parents in Rock Valley; Larry (married Marilyn Maurer) lives in Worthington, Minn.; Donna Lee (deceased); Daniel (married Karen Spiedel) they live in Sioux Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Ripperda moved to Rock Valley in 1966.

Roeman, John

Roeman, John – born at Larchwood, Iowa on April 21, 1907. He married Loretta Schettler at Larchwood on January 14, 1931. She was born in Wilmont, Minn. on November 9, 1907. They moved to Alvord in March of 1936 where they farmed southeast of town. They had six children: Marvin (Rock Rapids, Iowa); Bernadine (Mrs. Roger Schlotfeldt of Alvord); Eleanor (Mrs. Larry Childress of Rock Rapids); Evelyn (Mrs. Wm. Ver Mulm of Harrisburg, SD); Ronald (died August 1, 1955); and Roger (U.S. Air Force). John Roeman died on July 11, 1965. Mrs. Roeman moved to Rock Rapids in January of 1968.

Roeman, Marvin

Roeman, Marvin – born at Lester, Iowa, on May 14, 1932. He married Mary Frembgen at Rock Valley on May 14, 1955. She was born at Rock Valley on January 4, 1936. They have seven children: Randall; Kathleen; Kenneth; Gregory; Karen; Brian and John. They lived in Alvord for a time when Marvin farmed with his father until they moved to a farm northeast of Alvord where they now reside.

Rogers, Edward

Rogers, Edward – moved to a farm near Alvord from Elkader, Iowa in 1893. His wife was the former Adele Hutchinson. They had thirteen children: Mike (deceased); Edward (deceased); Anna (deceased); Sister Mary Lucy; Ernest (deceased); Roy (deceased); Frank (deceased); James (deceased); Nora (Cangoya, Calif.); Stella (Phoenix, Ariz.); and Theodore, Doon, Iowa. They lost two children in their youth in a diphtheria epidemic.

Rogers, Theodore

Rogers, Theodore – married Marie Kersbergen at Alvord on August 9, 1915. They had one daughter, Muriel, Mrs. Carl Stapenhorst, of Sheldon. They have one daughter. Mrs. Rogers died in 1936. He married Fern Freese in March 18, 1947.

Rohde, Hans J.

Rohde, Hans J. – came to a farm five miles southwest of Alvord in 1895, moved to Alvord in 1908. He died in 1920 and Mrs. Rohde died in 1919. They had seven children: Julius ( Sioux City ); Paulina (Mrs. Nicholas Kroger, deceased); Adela (Mrs. Ferdinand Stoefen, deceased); Ella (Mrs. Otto Reimers, deceased); Alvena (Mrs. Herman Ingwerson of Sioux Falls ); Amanda (Mrs. Frederick W. Jansen of Long Beach, Calif.); and Hildegarde (Mrs. Arthur Holberg of Sioux City).

Roskam, Anthony

Roskam, Anthony – born May 27, 1885 in Ede, Holland came to America in 1912 and settled in Lyon county where he farmed. He was united in marriage to Sophia Rozenboom July 7, 1915. Eleven children were born to this union: Dick of Rock Rapids; Henrietta (Mrs. Tony Van Hill) lives in Alvord where they farm and Mr. Van Hill is employed at the Farmer’s Co-op Elevator. They are the parents of three children, Gilbert, Kenneth and Shirley. Gertrude (Mrs. John Kuiper) of Hudstonville, Mich. ; Gertie (Mrs. Lou Dumond) Rock Rapids; Gerrit, Sioux Center ; Elizabeth (Mrs. John Van de Weide) Sioux Center; Anthony, Jr. of Des Moines; Leonard, Hawarden; Cornie, Hospers; Sophie (Mrs. John Zomer) Doon; and Hilda (Mrs. Jake Van Voorst) Lester. Mr. Roskam passed away August 16, 1965 as the result of a car accident. Mrs. Roskam is living in Rock Valley. Her father, Derk Rosenboom who makes his home with her is 95 years of age.

Rosenboom, Derk

Rosenboom, Derk – born December 6, 1872 in Ede, Holland and came to America in 1913. He was united in marriage to Gertrui Rosenboom on March 4, 1893. They moved to Lyon county in 1915 where their occupation was farming. Six children were born to this union: Lane (deceased); William (deceased); Gerrit, who farms south of Alvord; Wilhelmina (Mrs. Lane Klarenbeek) deceased; Sophia (Mrs. Anthony Roskam) Rock Valley ; and Elizabeth (Mrs. Gerrit Van den Top) living in Rock Valley. Mrs. Rosenboom passed away April 15, 1945 and a few years later Mr. Rosenboom was married to Mrs. Ann Franken and they lived in Sioux Center until her death April 10, 1962.

Saeger, Bernardt August Wilhelm

Saeger, Bernardt August Wilhelm – was born November 9, 1891 to Mr. and Mrs. Julius Saeger of Hull. He was the youngest of 12 children. He attended the public school and the German school at Hull and attended Concordia College in St. Paul, Minn. for two years and then moved to Canada. He later returned to Hull and married Maybelle C. Mackie and the couple had one daughter, Lavonne June. In 1924, Mr. Saeger moved to Alvord and entered the café business. He was active in civic and church affairs and a member of the Christ Lutheran Brotherhood and the Alvord Commercial Club. He passed away April 26, 1957 with burial at the Hull Lutheran cemetery. June and her husband Lloyd Drysdale are both deceased. They had one daughter Jayne Barger of Walnut, Ca.

Saeger, Edwin

Ben’s nephew, Edwin Saeger of Rock Rapids has contributed some history on Ben. When the Saeger’s moved to Alvord they lived in a two story house in the southwestern part of town right near the water tower. He was a great baseball player and was called another Babe Ruth. At one time the café was in the former Farmer’s and Merchants Savings bank located on the east side of the street. Later they moved across the street, to the west side. Edwin remembers Ben telling him that when Lawrence Welk and his band came to Alvord to play for the dances that they would eat at his café. An indelible memory that he has of his uncle Ben is seeing him with his white apron and little white chefs cap on his head. He would sit down on a chair to visit and place his feet on another chair. Light his cigar and visit. Always interested in farming activities, crops and livestock. Then a customer would come in for a sandwich and a cup of coffee. After serving the customer he would sit down again and relight his cigar for a continued visit.

Schemmel, Albert

Schemmel, Albert – born December 14, 1900 on a farm one and one-half miles east of Alvord. In 1921 he enrolled in an auto mechanics school at Sioux City, Iowa, which he attended for two years. After graduation he returned to Alvord and was employed by Harry Nagel as a mechanic. A partnership in the garage was formed between Mr. Nagel and Al in 1923 and the Nagel-Schemmel Garage was operated under this partnership until 133 when it was dissolved. He continued alone until 1944 when he moved the business to a new location. He has successfully operated the garage in the same location until the present date. On October 28, 1925 he was united in marriage to Amanda Oldenburg. Two sons were born to this marriage: Ronald, June 25, 1931 and Larry, April 28, 1941.

Schemmel, August J.

Schemmel, August J. – born February 3, 186r in Germany and was united in marriage to Mary Jensen March 8, 1888. Five children were born to this union: John A. (deceased); Louise (Mrs. John Groth, deceased); Ann Kroeger, Castro Valley, Calif. ; Lena (Mrs. Bill Rowland) Inwood; Edna (Mrs. Emil Roloff, deceased). Their occupation was farming and lived on a farm in Richland township until retiring to Alvord. Mr. Schemmel passed away in 1929 and Mrs. Schemmel in 1932. In the early 1890’s Mr. Schemmel had a windmill on top of the barn to shell corn and would elevate it on the haymow floor for cattle feeding was mostly done in barns. John A. Schemmel was born December 31, 1891 in Richland township and was united in marriage to Mathilda Bosler in 1914 and four children were born to this union, Helen (Mrs. Arndt Buckneberg), deceased; Eleanor (Mrs. Bill Jacobs) Inwood; Lois, Sioux Falls; and Rev. Ervin Schemmel, Sumner, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Schemmel farmed and also had a dairy farm in Alvord. Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jacobs now live on the Schemmel farm. Mr. Schemmel passed away in 1954.

Schemmel, August E. Jr.

Schemmel, August E. Jr. – born in Germany on November 13, 1866 at the age of two came with his folks to Scott County, Iowa. In 1885 they migrated to Lyon County, Iowa. On February 18, 1890 he married Mary Catherine Schneede who was born at Davenport, Iowa January 7, 1869. To this union five children were born: Pauline married to Frank Cohrt (deceased); Tena married to Thomas Friedrichsen (deceased); Rose (deceased); Amanda (deceased); and Rudolph married to Opal Jungersen. Mr. Schemmel passed away July 6, 1943 and Mrs. Schemmel December 29, 1944.

Schemmel, August, Sr.

Schemmel, August, Sr. – Mr. and Mrs. August Schemmel Sr. came to Lyon County in 1885 and settled on the farm east of Alvord coming from Scott County. Their children were August, Jr.; Gustav; Bernardt; Dora (Mrs. Claus Mundt); Emma (Mrs. August Berg) all deceased. Gustav was married to Mary Hasse in 1893, three children were born to this union: Ella (Mrs. Hugo Nagel; Herman; and Lou. Mr. and Mrs. Hugo Nagel were married in 1917 and were the parents of three daughters: Francene (Mrs. Bill Rohr, deceased); LuVane (Mrs. Vernon Schacht); and Jean, Mrs. Dwaine Mundt; Herman (deceased) was married to Irene Reit in 1939 and they were the parents of three children: Douglas is married to Harriet Marra and are the parents of four children: Bradley, Russell, Susan, Kurt. Janet (Mrs. Robert Newborg) they are the parents of five children: Vicki, Merle, Brian, Joel and Michael and Galen at home. Lou and Bernice Simmons Schemmel were married in 1928 and are living in Burbank, Calif. They are the parents of two children: Rannie and Jackie.

Schemmel, Bernhardt

Schemmel, Bernhardt – born December 7, 1972 on a farm in Scott county, Iowa. He moved to Lyon county as a small boy with his family and settled on a farm one and one-half miles east of Alvord. He was united in marriage to Emma Watke on November 24, 1897. Bernardt remained on the home place and farmed it until his death on June 7, 1914. His wife, Emma, with the help of her children continued to work the farm until 1941 when she moved to Alvord. She resided there until her death on June 22, 1967. Five children were born to this marriage: Walter, September 3, 1899; Albert, December 14, 1900; Minnie, October 30, 1902; Hilda, December 12, 1904; and Leone, July 28, 1907. All are living.

Schemmel, Fritz

Schemmel, Fritz – born in Germany November 22, 1842. He was united in marriage in 1873 to Dorothea Arp who was born February 3, 1855. Eight children were born to this union: Annie (Mrs. John Nagel); Fred; Adelia (Mrs. Henry Bramstedt); Clara (Mrs. Fred Wilke); August; Tillie (Mrs. Henry Scherff); Dora (Mrs. John Holmstrom); and Henry. Their occupation was farming and farmed in the Alvord vicinity for 27 years when they retired and moved to Alvord in 1919. Mr. Schemmel passed away July 6, 1924, and Mrs. Schemmel November 1, 1934.

Schemmel, Henry

Schemmel, Henry – married Margaret Peters on June 18, 1892. They farmed southwest of Alvord until 1905 when they moved into Alvord and bought a house on south Main Street. They had four children: Emma, Fred, Marcus and Henry, Jr. The family moved to Little Rock in 1919.

Scherff, John, Jr.

Scherff, John, Jr. – born January 13, 1877, in Hanover, Germany. He came to America with his parents in 1882. He married Magda Laackmann February 27, 1908. They moved to a farm four and one-half miles northeast of Alvord, Iowa, which was owned by the late John Reimers. In 1912 they bought the Rufus Ames place where he lived the rest of his life. He died November 1, 1938 and his wife died February 24, 1964. Three children were born to this union: Walter born November 27, 1908, still resides on the Scherff home place; Lillie born January 12, 1912, he married Elmer Watke June 4, 1939 and now resides two and one-half miles south of Alvord; Harry born October 20, 1919, served in the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1945 to 1946, and now resides on the Scherff farm place, farming it with his brother.

Schreuers, Lawrence

Schreuers, Lawrence – married Peggy Allen. They farm on the northeast corner of Alvord. They had five children: William (deceased); Douglas ( Wayne State College, Nebraska ); Sheila; Judy; and Daniel, all at home.

Schnee, Alphonse

Schnee, Alphonse – born at Alvord on June 9, 1892. He married Maria Gansener of Ahston on July 17, 1916. They had 11 children. He is now retired from the real estate business and lives in Sioux City, Iowa .

Schnee, Joseph Henry

Schnee, Joseph Henry – born in Mineral Point, Wis., on November 21, 1865. He married Susann Eulberg in Alvord in 1891. He built the Alvord Hotel and livery stable and ran it for a number of years and also was weightmaster, fire chief, marshall, deputy sheriff, and the first mayor of Alvord. The Schnees had six children. Mr. Schnee died on November 21, 1947.

Schneede, Hans J.

Schneede, Hans J. – was born in Germany May 23, 1837. He came to Davenport at the age of 28 where he married Katherine Steen also a native of Germany born July 8, 1942. In the spring of 1888 they came to Lyon county Iowa with their five children: Henry, Mary, Anna, John and Lena. The Schneede farm included what is now the west part of Alvord extending from Seefeldt Avenue west including both cemeteries, their first house was located on what is now the Schneede burial lot. Henry (deceased), Mary (Mrs. August E. Schemme, deceased), Anna (Mrs. H.D. Hansen, deceased), John (deceased), Lena (Mrs. Max Dibbern) now living in Luverne. Mr. Schneede passed away March 7, 1920 and Mrs. Schneede on September 12, 1912. Mrs. Schneede is buried where her house stood on cemetery (Lutheran) grounds.

Schlotfeldt, H.W.

Schlotfeldt, H.W. – born near Rock Rapids on November 19, 1900. He married Elsie Peters on June 29, 1920. They had nine children: Gale, South Bend, Ind. ; Dale, Milwaukee, Wis. ; Roger, Alvord; Glenn, Los Angeles, Calif. ; Loren, San Diego, Calif. ; James, Washington, D.C.; Larry, Alvord; Paul, Alvord; and Judy, South Bend, Ind.

Schlotfeldt, Roger

Schlotfeldt, Roger – born on May 18, 1933 at Alvord. He married Bernadine Roemen at Alvord on May 24, 1956. She was born at Lester, Iowa on September 30, 1934. They live on the Roemen home place where Roger farms and also works for the Iowa Beef Packers at Luverne, Minn. They are the parents of six children: Gerald, Mark, Bruce, Carol, Bradley and Thomas.

Schlumbohm, Herman F.

Schlumbohm, Herman F. – born April 1, 1887 at Hawarden, Ia. Maria Christina Moeller was born November 17, 1890 at Rock Valley. They were married January 12, 1920 and seven children were born to this union: Richard, Alvord; Evelyn (Mrs. Otto Schlotfeldt) Garvin, Minn. ; Viola (Mrs. Wallace Childress) Alvord; Harold, Rock Rapids; Fern (Mrs. Walter Nelson) Sioux Falls ; Betty Lou (Mrs. Leo Peterson) Inwood; and Wallace (Haysville, Kans.). They came to Lyon County in 1919 and their occupation was farming and they are now retired and living in Inwood.

Schmahl, Eldon F.

Schmahl, Eldon F. – born April 1, 1926 at Watertown, SD. He married Emily Harlene Albertus on September 14, 1952 at Alvord. She was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on February 16, 1932. They have three children: Billy, Dicky and Robby. They now reside at Aberdeen, SD where Eldon is employed by the Consumer’s Marketing Service, U.S.D.A.

Serck, Henry

Serck, Henry – born in Fehman, Germany in 1865 and came to the United States in 1885. Elise Sieck Serck was born in Afte, Germany in 1876 and came to the United States in 1887 and they were married in 1893. Five children were born to this union: Bernard in 1894; Harry in 1897; Edward in 1898, who married Clara Peters in August 1923. Two children were born to this union: Lois in 1928 and Vern in 1935. Ed was manager of the local Farmer’s Elevator for 31 years when he retired in 1966. Anna (Mrs. Wm. Jacobsen) was born in 1908. The Sercks moved to Alvord in 1918. Mr. Serck passed away in 1925 and Mrs. Serck in 1965.

Serck, Vernon

Serck, Vernon – born at Alvord June 27, 1935. He married Arlene Andresen on April 12, 1955. She was born at Alvord on March 30, 1936. They are the parents of four sons: Eugene, Steven, David and Gregory. They live on the Andresen farm northwest of Alvord.

Smith, James H.

Smith, James H. – born in Clinton County, Iowa on December 12, 1860. He was married to Jennie O’Meara on February 8, 1891. Jeannie O’Meara was born on October 3, 1870 and died January 15, 1933. To this union were born eight children: four died in infancy, three others in early childhood. Only one child survived to manhood, Vincent was born in January 21, 1939. James Vincent was born in July of 1907 and died January 21, 1964. He married Ada Haas in January of 1936. They had seven children of whom three boys died in infancy. The living children are: Robert, married to Carol Stettnicks; William, married to Mary Therese Kelly; Mrs. Richard Benzkofer (Peggy); and James Charles. James married Joanne Schuurman in June of 1966. They have one daughter, Melinda Sue. They now reside on the Smith homestead near Alvord.

Spain, John

Spain, John – John Spain and Margaret McMullen were both born near Clinton, Iowa. They were married in February of 1887 in Clinton County. They came to a farm southwest of Alvord in 1891 with their two children, Jim (deceased) and Loretta (Mrs. Leo O’Connor, deceased). After coming to the Alvord community seven additional children were born. These include Irene (who died in childhood); Agnes (Mrs. Lester Doherty of Sioux Falls ); John ( Waterloo, Iowa ); Matt ( Omaha, Neb. ); Bill ( Long Beach, Calif. ); Dan (deceased); and Teresa (who also died in childhood). Mrs. Spain died at Alvord in 1930 and Mr. Spain died in 1950. They had nine children, eleven grandchildren, thirty-eight great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

Stettnichs, August

Stettnichs, August – son of Ferdinand and Wilhelmina Oldenburg Stettnichs of Alvord, married Dorothea Wacker February 10, 1909. They resided on a farm southeast of Alvord for most of their lives. To them were born eight children: Arnold, Harry, Earl, Vernon, Evelyn, Loren, Loreen and Marvin. August Stettnichs was born October 17, 1883 and passed away April 19, 1933. His wife Dorthea was born February 2, 1888 and passed away September 5, 1944. Arnold, the eldest son, was born March 2, 1910. He married Agnas Gary June 4, 1934. They are the parents of six children: Merlyn, Leland, Lyle, Douglas, Arla Kaye and Evelyn. They now reside in Rock Rapids. Harry was born March 6, 1912. He married Martha La Freng on Sept. 6, 1934. They are the parents of four children: Sharlene, Carol, Virgil and Stanley. They reside on a farm near Larchwood. Earl was born September 23, 1915. He married Elsie Bramstedt on January 23, 1947. They are the parents of one daughter, Elnora. They have farmed northwest of Alvord for the past fifteen years. Earl died on May 26, 1968. Vernon was born June 18, 1918. He married Erma Rohr on August 21, 1947. They have two sons: Vernon Jr. and Donald. They reside in Alvord, where Vernon is engaged in carpenter work. Evelyn was born March 8, 1921. She married Arthur Weststeyn on November 15, 1940. They have three children: Delores, Robert and Carol. They now live near Ripon, Calif. The twins, Loren and Loreen, were born August 19, 1923. Loreen married Donald Bryan Jr., on August 3, 1958. They have three daughters: Cheryl, Mary and Dori. Both Loren and Loreen reside in Rock Rapids. Marvin, the youngest, was born August 28, 1925. He married Delaine Kracht on December 31, 1947. They have three children: Jeffrey, Diane and Rodney. They reside in Rock Rapids.

Stettnichs, Ferdinand

Stettnichs, Ferdinand – born October 13, 1857 in Germany. He came to America in 1868 and settled in Scott county. He married Wilhelmina Oldenburg August 23, 1879 and lived near Crystal in Tama County. The family moved to Lyon County in 1894 and settled a mile northeast of Alvord, where they lived until January 1910, when they retired from farming and moved to Alvord. Ferdinand died November 2, 1926. Wilhelmina was born June 29, 1860 and died June 29, 1936. The Stettnichs were the parents of five children: Amela (Mrs. George Dickman); Laura (Mrs. Barney Watke); August; Caroline (Mrs. Herman Thielvoldt); and Freddie (all deceased).

Stettnichs, Freddie

Stettnichs, Freddie – born July 20, 1886 at Crystle, Iowa. He farmed the Stettnichs farm before moving to Alvord in 1914. He served in an infantry division during World War I. He was in the cement block business for a number of years. He married Tillie Bramstedt on March 25, 1937. He was mayor, on the town council and a fireman as long as his health permitted. He died March 19, 1965.

Stoltenberg, Wm.

Stoltenberg, Wm. – born at Walcott, Iowa, June 19, 1870. He was united in marriage to Marie Lecette Harms December 2, 1893. Mrs. Stoltenberg was born at Borstel-Holstein, Germany April 16, 1872. They farmed at Lostein, Iowa, Huron, SD, and at Alvord. In 1937 they retired to Alvord and were privileged to celebrate their golden wedding in 1943. Eight children were born to this union: Asmus, Fritz, Lillion, Linda, Edna, Hilda, Viola and Luella. Asmus (deceased) was married to Elsie Kroeger and they were the parents of a son, Glen. Fritz (deceased) was married to Alma Mundt and they were the parents of six children: Daryel, La Vane, Dale, Delbert, Delmer, Dea. Lillian was married to Ernest Paulsen (both are deceased) and they had three children: Francis, Wendell and Wanda Mae. Edna was married to Fritz Wenzel (deceased). They were the parents of seven children: Don, Delores, Wallace, Robert, Charles, Janet and Douglas. Hilda, Mrs. Edwin Kroeger, are the parents of two daughters: Elaine and Melva Jean. Viola, Mrs. Bill Moser, they have two sons: Wm. And Howard. Luella, Mrs. Leonard Bosler, they have three sons: Kenneth, Jim and Wayne. Mr. Stoltenberg passed away in 1952 and Mrs. Stoltenberg in 1944.

Sueverkruebbe, Herman

Sueverkruebbe, Herman – was born April 1861 in Germany to John and Katherine Sueverkruebbe. He was a year old when he came to the United States and grew to manhood near Davenport, Iowa. He came to Alvord in 1906 and made his home with his sister and family where he was a farm laborer. He was united in marriage to Ella Mundt, November 26, 1913. She was born near Alvord and to this union nine children were born: Lloyd (deceased) married to Blanch McPhearson; Helen married to August Carstens (deceased); Esther married to Henry Horn (deceased); Leona married to Wm. Everly (deceased); Herman (deceased) married Minda Korenberg; Raymond married Viola Engersoll. Clay married Gloria Schemmel; Gloria married to Wilmer Hall (deceased) and Robert married June Brooks. Herman passed away January 2, 18937 and Ella passed away May 27, 1976.

Suhreptz, John

Suhreptz, John – born June 2, 1863 in Austria and migrated to the U.S. in 1881. In 1903 he was married to Cecelia Crowley Gunter and in 1906 they moved to Lyon County to the farm two and one-half miles south and one mile west of Alvord. Their children were Clarence, deceased; Erwin, living on the home place; Adeline married to John Vint living in California. In 1935 Mr. Suhreptz retired to Alvord. He die don December 12, 1949.

Sullivan, Martin

Sullivan, Martin – born in Highland, Wis., on December 15, 1858. He married Ellen Barth in Rock Valley on January 16, 1886. She was born in Shullsburg, Wis., on October 13, 1863. They had six children: John (Alvord); Anna (Alvord); Clara (Alvord); Stella (deceased); Frank (deceased); and Robert (Alvord). They moved to a farm adjoining Alvord on the south in 1900. All the living children are still living on the same land. John is probably the oldest farmer near Alvord still working on the land. Clara, a registered nurse, worked for the same Doctor and his son for 51 years in Aberdeen, SD.

Sullivan, Robert

Sullivan, Robert – married Mary Duffy in Alvord on January 30, 1918. They had four children: Mary Rita (Mrs. P.G. Lewandowski) Sturgis, SD ; Joseph, Sioux Falls ; Ellen, deceased; and Robert Jr., Alvord.

Sullivan, Robert, Jr.

Sullivan, Robert, Jr. - married Phyllis Frembgen in Rock Valley on April 22, 1952. They have children: Thomas, James, Susan, Laura and John. They live on the home place where Bob farms.

Thielvoldt, Herman

Thielvoldt, Herman – born June 27, 1884 in Wisch, Germany and came to America in 1900 and settled in Scott county where he worked on farm until 1906 when he came to Lyon county. In 1910 he married Caroline Stettnichs and started farming on the Stettnichs’ homestead northeast of Alvord. Four children were born to this union: Erwin was born November 22, 1911 and was united in marriage to Joan Tiedeman September 30, 1940 and on August 21, 1943, his death came instantly when he was struck by lightning while baling straw; Helen was born September 25, 1915 and she married Edwin Hein in 1936. They have one son Laurence born October 6, 1939. Glen married Elsie Ranschau December 14, 1946. To this union four children were born: Dennis, December 23, 1947; Dean and Jean, October 20, 1949; and Alan, March 2, 1956; William was born February 27, 1919. He was killed in a car accident on September 7, 1941.

Thompson, Dallas

Thompson, Dallas – born June 8, 1882 at Decatur, Ill., and was married to Elizabeth Levins on June 14, 1905 at Sacred Heart Church in Alvord. Elizabeth was born August 1, 1881 at Galena, Ill. They came to Alvord in 1913. Dallas was a barber and Elizabeth a teacher. They had six children: LaVohne, Grace, Myva, Corryne, Bernard John and Adrian. Dallas died in 1935 and Elizabeth in 1958. Elizabeth Levins, at the age of 13, read the Declaration of Independence at a Fourth of July celebration in Alvord, 1894.

Towne, John

Towne, John – born at Silver Lake, Iowa in 1896. He was orphaned at the age of six and lived at the Beloit Children’s Home, Beloit, Iowa until he was 12 ears old when he started to make his own living. He married Annie Junge in 1935 and two children were born to this union: John E. Towne, Jr., and Karen Stettnichs. Mr. Towne is retired now after ten years as a school janitor at the local school.

Vint, Joe

Vint, Joe – born April 4, 1911 at Kinsman, Ill. In 1916, he moved with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Vint, Sr., and five brothers to Lyon county. He was united in marriage to Erma Dickman on November 30, 1946. A daughter, Mary Jo, was born to this union on February 1, 1950. The Vint family moved to the Dickman farm west of Alvord August 1956 where they made their home until moving to Alvord in October 1965.

Von Der Lieth, Mrs. Henry

Von Der Lieth, Mrs. Henry – Marie Schultz was born in Kaiserslanter, Germany, to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Schultz. She came to America in 1913 and made her home with her sister, Mrs. Wm. Barenfus until she was united in marriage to Henry Von Der Leith. Six children were born to this union: John, Charlie, William, Henry, Jr., Patricia, and Betty. The Von Der Lieth’s operated a butcher shop in Alvord from 1918 to 1929. Mrs. Von Der Lieth passed away when she was 49 years old.

Watke, Barnie

Watke, Barnie – born June 10, 1879 at Krokau, Germany. He was married to Laura Stettnicks on February 24, 1904. They farmed one mile north and one mile west of Doon, Iowa. This is where they spent most of their life. His wife died November 11, 1942 and he died September 1, 1967. Six children were born to this union: Harry, the oldest, was born December 17, 1904, and was killed by lightning on April 15, 1924. Caroline was born January 10, 1908. She married John Hamann August 17, 1932 and resides three and one-half miles north of Alvord; Elmer was born June 8, 1909. He married Lillie Scherff June 4, 1939. They moved to a farm two and one-half miles south of Alvord, which he bought seven years later in May 1946 from the John Groth Estate. Three daughters were born to this union. Excelda was born June 2, 1940. Lorietta was born February 27, 1945 and died in infancy. Gwendolyn was born September 1, 1948. Louie, Barnie’s second son, was born November 11, 1910 and married Viola Hanson, September 20, 1939 and now resides at Doon, Iowa. Lillian was born April 4, 1920 and married Edward Bramstedt February 4, 1947. Lois was born March 17, 1923 and married Harold Engman February 21, 1951 and resides at Omaha, Nebraska .

Watke, Carol

Watke, Carol – born March 5, 1882 in Krokau, Germany. Mathilda Nagel Watke was born November 2, 1882. The couple were united in marriage February 27, 1907 and settled in Lyon County where they farmed. Three children were born to this union: Albert, Brandon, SD ; Linda (Mrs. E.C. Schlotfeldt) and Viola (Mrs. E.C. Fitzgerald) both of Rock Rapids. Mr. Watke passed away December 23, 1966. Mrs. Watke makes her home with her daughters in Rock Rapids.

Watke, Hans

Watke, Hans – born March 20, 1849 in Germany. He married Adel Mundt in Germany. In 1896 he came to America with his family. They settled on a farm northeast of Alvord and farmed for 11 years before retiring to Alvord in 1907. He passed away July 21, 1926. His wife died December 23, 1931. Six children were born to this union. Emil, the eldest, was born in 1874. He came to America in 1894 with his brother Barnie two years prior to his parents. He died at Davenport, Iowa, in the Spring of 1939. He never married. Emma was born February 4, 1877. She was married to Bernard Schemmel November 24, 1897 and they resided on a farm near Alvord. She died June 22, 1967. Barnie was born June 10, 1879 in Krokau, Germany. He was married to Laura Stettnicks on February 24, 1907. They resided on a farm north of Alvord, Iowa. He died December 23, 1966. Mina was born February 3, 1885, and passed on at the age of 13, March 14, 1898. Richard was born July 17, 1889. He served in the army in World War I for six months in 1919. He still resides in Alvord.

Waumett, Frank J.

Waumett, Frank J. – born in 1871 at Owatonna, Minn., and was united in marriage to Emelia Gasner at Owatonna October 21, 1896. Mr. Waumett’s occupation was a school teacher in Steel county, Minn. and later a grocer in Meriden, Minn., before coming to Alvord in 1900 where he bought the Umhofer store in which the post office was at this time. Later he sold the store and continued to be postmaster until his retirement. Five children were born to this union: Lucille (Mrs. W.P. Garrison, Long Beach, Calif. ); Luella (Mrs. Luella McCarthy, Seal Beach, Calif. ); Florence (Mrs. Chris Nelson, Long Beach, Calif. ); Chester ( Owatonna, Minn. ); and Vernon ( Cleveland, NC ). Mr. Waumett passed away in 1956 at Long Beach and Mrs. Waumett in 1958 also at Long Beach, Calif.

Wiesensee, George, Sr.

Wiesensee, George, Sr. – married Mary McDermott and lived on a farm three miles north of Alvord. Their house was the first house in this territory to have running water which was piped in from a supply tank located inside the barn. They had five children: George, Jr. ( Lennox, SD ); Katie (Mrs. Ed Flanery, deceased); Minnie (Mrs. Dan Healy, deceased); Annie (Mrs. Ed. Doherty, Kansas City, MO); and John (Sioux Falls, SD).

Weisensee, John

Weisensee, John - married Lillian Duffy on November 10, 1915. They lived on a farm three miles north of Alvord on which John built the buildings. They had nine children: Kenneth (deceased); Eileen (Mrs. Jerry Slotsky, Sioux City, Iowa); John (Wichita Falls, Texas); Mary Rose (Mrs. Robert Carpenter, Salem, OR, deceased); Lillian (Mrs. Dick Anderson, Sioux Falls, SD); George (Sioux Falls, SD); Juanita (Mrs. Adrian Roland, La Marque, TX); Jeanne Anne (Mrs. Francis Reiser, Sublimity, OR); and Lawrence ( Canton, SD). The Weisensees now reside in Sioux Falls. Mrs. Weisensee died in April of 1968.

Weisensee, George, Jr.

George Weisensee Jr. married Nellie McCarty at Larchwood, Iowa on October 7, 1914. They had one daughter, Dorothy (Mrs. Obel Lund) Lennox, SD. The Weisensees started farming two and one-half miles north of Alvord. They presently live on their farm near Lennox .

Wenzel, Charles

Charles Wenzel was born in Langasalsa, Germany, February 14, 1862 and came to the United States to Sioux County where he was employed a number of years. Ida Lemke Wenzel was born in Clayton county, Iowa, October 24, 1868 and they were united in marriage March 14, 1888. Six children were born to this union: one child died in infancy; Wm. (deceased); Fritz (deceased); Tillie (Mrs. John Groth, deceased); Kate (Mrs. John Witt); Tony; Mrs. Wayne Emery. Mr. and Mrs. Wenzel farmed for a time and after moving to Alvord Mr. Wenzel operated a service station, delivered mail and operated a scale office. Mr. Wenzel passed away in 1952 and Mrs. Wenzel in 1951. In 1948 they were privileged to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary.

Strahmann, Wilhelm H.

Wilhelm H. Strahmann and his wife, Margaret Backhop Strahmann lived in Alvord for several years at least 3 years from 1896 to 1899. There were six children in the family and two of the children were born in Alvord, Lillie E. Strahmann Brown, born April 25, 1896 and Wm. H. Strahmann born November 4, 1898. Other children in the family were Meta, Ella and John and another daughter Dora was born after they returned to farming near Paullina. While in Alvord Mr. Strahmann ran a saloon and his wife ran a hotel. This business later belonged to Fred Peters.

Wilke, Robert

Wilke, Robert – born August 22, 1881 in Wendisch Priborn, Germany. In infancy his parents immigrated to America moving to Scott County, Iowa. Some ten years later they moved to Lyon county were his parents purchased a farm four miles west of Alvord. He was united in marriage to Lillie Heyden December 21, 1910. In 1913 he joined the Lutheran church by the rite of confirmation. They were the parents of six children: Amanda, Eleanor, Helen, Marcella, Vera and Wayne.

Winter, Fred

Fred Winter was born June 3, 1884 in Meade County, Kansas. He married Margaret Jensen on August 29, 1906 in Canton, SD. She was born February 26, 1884 at Bettendorf, Iowa. For a time he was a decorator on the Mitchell Corn Palace till he came to Alvord in 1912. His first occupation here was driving the livery wagon for John Berg. Later he worked with A.W. Ripley as a well digger. After this he worked for Henry Meyer hauling cream, a job he continued until two years before his death on July 14, 1958. Mrs. Winter died on October 12, 1960. They were the parents of 11 children, all of whom survived. They are: William (Rock Valley, Iowa); Leroy (Ash Creek, Minn. ); Leona (Mrs. Ashton of Larchwood); Ernest ( Battle Creek, Iowa); Wilma (Mrs. Harston of Center Point, Iowa); Lyle Ballinger, Tex.); Marcella (Mrs. Jerde of Hayti, SD); Aileen (Mrs. Harvey Heyden of Canton, SD); Margaret (Mrs. Klosterboer of Luverne, Minn.); Lorraine (Mrs. Jens of Waubay, SD); and June (Mrs. Melvin Kahl of Rock Valley, Iowa).

Witt, John

John Witt was born in Scott county on December 16, 1890. Katie Wenzel was born November 17, 1894 at Larchwood. They were united in marriage February 11, 1914 and farmed until 1926 when they moved to Alvord. Four children were born to this union: Harold, Helen, Hilda and Herbert. Mr. Witt was janitor at the local school for 16 years and served on the town council for 12 years. Mr. and Mrs. Witt celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in 1964.

Transcribed by Karyn Berg.

INDEX

FAMILY HISTORIES